Allentown, PA vs Lancaster, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Allentown has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Allentown | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 74 | 79 | Allentown |
| Housing | 54 ($888) | 59 ($824) | Allentown |
| Transportation | 110 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Lancaster |
| Food & groceries | 72 ($295) | 85 ($349) | Allentown |
| Utilities | 77 ($97) | 80 ($106) | Allentown |
| Healthcare | 77 ($70) | 80 ($77) | Allentown |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allentown, PA or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Allentown, PA is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Allentown, PA: 74, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Allentown, PA vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $25,900/year in Allentown, PA and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.