Is Allentown, PA cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Allentown, PA is 13.5% cheaper than Springfield, MA. This translates to saving $1009 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $137,888.493 in Allentown, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, MA and Allentown, PA?

Housing in Allentown, PA is 44.1% cheaper than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Allentown, PA compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

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

Moving from Springfield, MA to Allentown, PA could save you approximately $1009 per month, or $12112 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA 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 Springfield, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Allentown, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.9K in Allentown, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 13.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,009

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.1K

Per year

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$294K

Allentown, PA

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$257K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K 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: Springfield, MA vs Allentown, PA

Category	Springfield, MA	Allentown, PA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$1,950/mo	↓ $1,540less	44.1%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,662/mo	↑ $321more	23.9%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $143more	15.5%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$588/mo	↓ $49.81less	7.8%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$587/mo	↓ $26.72less	4.4%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,331/mo	↓ $14.90less	1.1%

Housing

↓ 44.1%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Difference

$1,540

less

Other

↑ 23.9%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Difference

$321

Groceries

↑ 15.5%

Springfield, MA

$925

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Difference

$143

Healthcare

↓ 7.8%

Springfield, MA

$637

Allentown, PA

$588

Difference

$49.81

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.4%

Springfield, MA

$614

Allentown, PA

$587

Difference

$26.72

less

Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Difference

$14.90

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Springfield, MA 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$809

To$900

↑ $91.00

1 Bed

From$915

To$1,067

↑ $152

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,302

↑ $152

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$1,664

↑ $255

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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.

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$7,186

Monthly in Allentown, PA

$1,168

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Allentown

$294K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +4.7%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$203K - $384K

Homes in Allentown are 13% less expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Allentown

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$241

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.9%

Rate difference

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.