Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Allentown, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 6.1% cheaper than Allentown, PA. This translates to saving $458 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Allentown, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Allentown, PA, you'd need approximately $144,502.782 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Allentown, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 0.0% cheaper than in Allentown, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,302/month in Allentown, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Allentown, PA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Allentown, PA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $458 per month, or $5497 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Allentown, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Allentown, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Philadelphia, PA area

Current salary in Allentown, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $458/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.5K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$458

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Allentown, PA

Population:125K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$257K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:94

Allentown, PA

The Keystone State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 125K residents.

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Allentown, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Allentown, PA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,331/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $115less	8.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,069/mo	$989/mo	↓ $79.37less	7.4%
🏥Healthcare	$588/mo	$527/mo	↓ $61.00less	10.4%
📦Other	$1,662/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $55.00less	3.3%
⚡All Utilities	$587/mo	$607/mo	↑ $19.52more	3.3%
🏠Housing	$1,950/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $0.68less	0.0%

🚗Transportation

↓ 8.6%

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$115

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$79.37

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.4%

Allentown, PA

$588

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$61.00

less

📦Other

↓ 3.3%

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$55.00

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 3.3%

Allentown, PA

$587

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$19.52

🏠Housing

↓ 0.0%

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$0.68

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Allentown, PA: Allentown Earned Income Tax$4,425/yr (2.9%)

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Net difference+$75.00/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$900

To$750

↓ $150

1 Bed

From$1,067

To$850

↓ $217

2 Bed

From$1,302

To$1,050

↓ $252

3 Bed

From$1,664

To$1,400

↓ $264

Allentown, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,640/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,186

Monthly in Allentown, PA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$291

Difference

Home Values

Allentown

Pittsburgh

$257K

Median Value

↑ +4.7%

YoY Change

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

$203K - $384K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Allentown

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Allentown, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Allentown, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.