Pittsburgh vs Allentown for Families (2026)
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
+$1,296/yr
Favoring Pittsburgh for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $108/mo in Pittsburgh, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Cash-back card
Best cash-back cards for Pittsburgh
Stack rewards on groceries, gas, and dining — categories that grow after a move.
High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while rates are high
Even $108/mo extra earns meaningfully at 4–5% APY vs near-zero in checking.
Home + auto bundle
New state — compare rates before you sign
Moving to Pittsburgh resets your insurance profile. Bundling home + auto often saves 15–25%.
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Housing savings
Pittsburgh saves ~$100/mo in rent
New city means new insurance rates — bundle home and auto before your move date to lock in the best price.
Make Your Move Count
You're about to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life — here's how to set up the money side before you sign anything.
High-Yield Savings
Earn 4.5–5% APY on your relocation savings
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Mortgage
What can you afford in Allentown?
Compare lenders before your move — pre-approval is free, takes minutes, and won't affect your credit score.
Home & Auto Insurance
New state = new rates — compare before you move
Insurance costs vary 30–40% by ZIP code. Get Allentown quotes locked in before your move date or risk paying day-1 overprice.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Pittsburgh Pennsylvania | Allentown Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / mo | $1,100Better | $1,100 |
| 2BR rent / mo | $1,750Better | $1,850 |
| Median home price | $220KBetter | $270K |
| Household income | $55KBetter | $54K |
| Childcare / mo | $1,196Better | $1,196 |
| State income tax | 3.1%Better | 3.1% |
| Sales tax | 7% | 6%Better |
| Utilities / mo | $175 | $172Better |
| Groceries index | 98Better | 100 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Pittsburgh or Allentown?
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 Pittsburgh vs Allentown?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,750/month in Pittsburgh and $1,850/month in Allentown. Pittsburgh is 5% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Pittsburgh or Allentown?
The price-to-income ratio in Pittsburgh is 4.0× ($220K median home, $55K median income). In Allentown it's 5.0× ($270K home, $54K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Pittsburgh is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Pittsburgh vs Allentown?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,196/month in Pittsburgh and $1,196/month in Allentown, 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?
Pittsburgh has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Allentown's 3.1% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $0/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Pittsburgh has the same purchasing power as $100K in Allentown
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026