Allentown vs Pittsburgh for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Allentown Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,100Better | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,400 | $1,350Better |
| Est. single-person income | $32K | $33KBetter |
| Est. monthly take-home | $2,616 | $2,665Better |
| Studio rent burden | 42% | 41%Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 100 | 98Better |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 3.1% |
| Walk score | 54 / 100 | 63 / 100Better |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 92Better | 92 |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Monthly savings
Pittsburgh: ~$997/mo left after rent & living
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Allentown or Pittsburgh?
For a single person, Allentown comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $1,100 in Allentown vs $1,100 in Pittsburgh. A single earner in Allentown spends about 42% of take-home on studio rent.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Allentown vs Pittsburgh?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Allentown, a single earner spending $1,100/month on a studio carries a 42% rent burden — significantly above the recommended 30%. In Pittsburgh, the rent burden is 41% — significantly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Allentown vs Pittsburgh?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $948/month in Allentown vs $997/month in Pittsburgh. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Allentown vs getting a roommate in Pittsburgh?
Splitting a 1BR in Pittsburgh ($1,350/person) vs a solo studio in Allentown ($1,100): splitting a 1BR in Pittsburgh ($675/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Allentown ($1,100). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Pittsburgh scores higher (63/100) — somewhat walkable. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026