Is Allentown, PA cheaper than Syracuse, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Allentown, PA is 1.3% cheaper than Syracuse, NY. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Syracuse, NY, you'd need approximately $148,872.993 in Allentown, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Allentown, PA is 7.8% more expensive than in Syracuse, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,302/month in Allentown, PA compared to $1,043/month in Syracuse, NY.

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

Moving from Syracuse, NY to Allentown, PA could save you approximately $94 per month, or $1127 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Syracuse, 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 Syracuse, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $93.92/month moving to Allentown, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.9K in Allentown, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 1.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$93.92

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.1K

Per year

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

Syracuse, NY

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$177K

Allentown, PA

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$257K

Syracuse, NY

The Empire State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 146K 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: Syracuse, NY vs Allentown, PA

Category	Syracuse, NY	Allentown, PA	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,809/mo	$1,950/mo	↑ $141more	7.8%
Other	$1,800/mo	$1,662/mo	↓ $138less	7.7%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,331/mo	↓ $89.86less	6.3%
Healthcare	$648/mo	$588/mo	↓ $60.73less	9.4%
Groceries	$1,036/mo	$1,069/mo	↑ $32.36more	3.1%
All Utilities	$562/mo	$587/mo	↑ $25.49more	4.5%

Housing

↑ 7.8%

Syracuse, NY

$1,809

Allentown, PA

$1,950

Difference

$141

Other

↓ 7.7%

Syracuse, NY

$1,800

Allentown, PA

$1,662

Difference

$138

less

Transportation

↓ 6.3%

Syracuse, NY

$1,421

Allentown, PA

$1,331

Difference

$89.86

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.4%

Syracuse, NY

$648

Allentown, PA

$588

Difference

$60.73

less

Groceries

↑ 3.1%

Syracuse, NY

$1,036

Allentown, PA

$1,069

Difference

$32.36

All Utilities

↑ 4.5%

Syracuse, NY

$562

Allentown, PA

$587

Difference

$25.49

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Syracuse, 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$748

To$900

↑ $152

1 Bed

From$839

To$1,067

↑ $228

2 Bed

From$1,043

To$1,302

↑ $259

3 Bed

From$1,269

To$1,664

↑ $395

Syracuse, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,270/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.

$7,276

Monthly in Syracuse, NY

$7,186

Monthly in Allentown, PA

$89.86

Difference

Home Values

Syracuse

Allentown

$177K

Median Value

$257K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +4.7%

↑ +55.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$138K - $348K

Price Range

$203K - $384K

Homes in Allentown are 45% more expensive than Syracuse

Calculate payment - Syracuse 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

Syracuse, 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

Syracuse, 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.