Moving from Philadelphia to Allentown (2026)
Allentown has a COL index of 92 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Allentown to match your Philadelphia lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Philadelphia | Equivalent in Allentown |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,393 |
| $50K | $42,991 |
| $60K | $51,589 |
| $75K | $64,486 |
| $80K | $68,785 |
| $100K | $85,981 |
| $120K | $103,178 |
| $150K | $128,972 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Philadelphia vs Allentown
| Expense | Philadelphia | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,547 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $391 | $380 |
| Transport | $96 | $72 |
| Utilities | $160 | $172 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,835 | $2,460 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Allentown cheaper than Philadelphia?
Yes. Allentown has a cost of living index of 92 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Philadelphia to Allentown?
On a $75K salary, moving from Philadelphia to Allentown could save roughly $625/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,500/year.
What salary do I need in Allentown to match my Philadelphia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Philadelphia, you'd need roughly $64,486/year in Allentown. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only