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Cost of Living in Allentown, PA

Population 125,976 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,317
Median home value$206,600
Median household income$55,494

The median rent in Allentown, PA is $1,317/month, 9% higher than the Pennsylvania median and 7% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $206,600, 38% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $55,494 a year, 29% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 28.5%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $52,680/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.7×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,045/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Allentown vs. Pennsylvania vs. U.S.

AllentownPennsylvaniaU.S.
Median rent$1,317$1,209$1,413
Median home value$206,600$254,500$332,700
Median household income$55,494$77,971$80,734
Homeownership rate43.2%69.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher19.1%35.2%35.7%
Poverty rate21.0%11.7%12.5%
Unemployment rate9.0%5.3%5.2%
Work from home9.0%15.6%15.1%
Median age33.140.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Allentown, PA?

The median gross rent in Allentown, PA is $1,317 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Allentown, PA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $52,680 a year in gross income.

Is Allentown, PA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 7% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.7 times the median household income.

Other cities in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PARent $1,397 · Income $61,953Pittsburgh, PARent $1,261 · Income $65,742Reading, PARent $1,067 · Income $44,091Erie, PARent $870 · Income $46,113Bethlehem, PARent $1,382 · Income $68,879Scranton, PARent $1,048 · Income $50,739

Cities with a similar cost of living

Lindenwold, NJRent $1,323 · Income $55,954Galveston, TXRent $1,298 · Income $55,631Ellensburg, WARent $1,340 · Income $55,438Bridgeton, NJRent $1,340 · Income $55,781Jacksonville, NCRent $1,321 · Income $57,697Ocala, FLRent $1,359 · Income $56,376

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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