Is Allentown, PA cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Allentown, PA is 1.5% cheaper than Rochester, NY. This translates to saving $114 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $148,630.593 in Allentown, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Allentown, PA?

Housing in Allentown, PA is 7.5% cheaper than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Allentown, PA compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

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

Moving from Rochester, NY to Allentown, PA could save you approximately $114 per month, or $1369 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Allentown, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $114/month moving to Allentown, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.6K in Allentown, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$114

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.4K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$198K

Allentown, PA

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$257K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Allentown, PA

The Keystone State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, NY vs Allentown, PA

Category	Rochester, NY	Allentown, PA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,108/mo	$1,950/mo	↓ $158less	7.5%
Other	$1,738/mo	$1,662/mo	↓ $75.99less	4.4%
All Utilities	$631/mo	$587/mo	↓ $43.76less	6.9%
Healthcare	$548/mo	$588/mo	↑ $39.96more	7.3%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $39.84more	3.9%
Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,331/mo	↑ $15.82more	1.2%

Housing

↓ 7.5%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Difference

$158

less

Other

↓ 4.4%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Difference

$75.99

less

All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Rochester, NY

$631

Allentown, PA

$587

Difference

$43.76

less

Healthcare

↑ 7.3%

Rochester, NY

$548

Allentown, PA

$588

Difference

$39.96

Groceries

↑ 3.9%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Difference

$39.84

Transportation

↑ 1.2%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Difference

$15.82

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rochester, NY has no local income tax.

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$900

↓ $257

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,067

↓ $242

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,302

↓ $331

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,664

↓ $304

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/mo

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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$7,186

Monthly in Allentown, PA

$182

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Allentown

$198K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +4.7%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$203K - $384K

Homes in Allentown are 30% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Allentown

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$412

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

Allentown, 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.