Allentown vs Pittsburgh for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Allentown Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,100 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,850 | $1,750Better |
| Median home price | $270K | $220KBetter |
| Median household income | $54K | $55KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,196Better | $1,196 |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 3.1% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 7% |
| Monthly utilities | $172Better | $175 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 100 | 98Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Allentown or Pittsburgh?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Pittsburgh scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,750/mo in Pittsburgh vs $1,850/mo. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Allentown vs Pittsburgh?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,850/month in Allentown and $1,750/month in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is 5% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Allentown or Pittsburgh?
The price-to-income ratio in Allentown is 5.0× ($270K median home, $54K median income). In Pittsburgh it's 4.0× ($220K home, $55K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Pittsburgh is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Allentown vs Pittsburgh?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,196/month in Allentown and $1,196/month in Pittsburgh, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$0/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Allentown has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Pittsburgh's 3.1% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Allentown has the same purchasing power as $100K in Pittsburgh
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026