salaryAllentown is the 3rd-largest city in Pennsylvania that we track, with 125,976 residents. Rent is lower than in 53% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.5 years of household income. Most households rent (57%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $63,760 a year. That is $31 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Pennsylvania cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Pennsylvania. It is number 184 of 269 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Allentown?
Share of households by yearly income. 13.8% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Allentown
| Size | Allentown | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,187 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,245 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,507 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,613 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,829 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Allentown overall?
Everyday prices in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metro area are same as the U.S. average (index 100.0, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Allentown
Life in Allentown
What jobs pay in Allentown
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $138,390 | 13.8% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $133,890 | 14.3% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,680 | 14.8% |
| Lawyer | $126,160 | 15.2% |
| Software Developer | $122,930 | 15.6% |
| Registered Nurse | $101,440 | 18.9% |
| Operations Manager | $101,260 | 18.9% |
| Civil Engineer | $98,760 | 19.4% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $98,750 | 19.4% |
| Police Officer | $84,530 | 22.6% |
| Dental Hygienist | $82,060 | 23.3% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,040 | 24.2% |
| Accountant | $78,430 | 24.4% |
| Firefighter | $73,020 | 26.2% |
| Market Research Analyst | $67,740 | 28.2% |
| Electrician | $66,500 | 28.8% |
| Plumber | $64,940 | 29.5% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,050 | 29.9% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,130 | 30.3% |
| Truck Driver | $60,090 | 31.8% |
| Carpenter | $59,540 | 32.1% |
| Medical Assistant | $45,400 | 42.1% |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,360 | 43.1% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,160 | 43.3% |
| Warehouse Worker | $42,380 | 45.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $37,120 | 51.5% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $34,630 | 55.2% |
| Retail Salesperson | $32,310 | 59.2% |
| Cashier | $30,560 | 62.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Allentown?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $160 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $206,600 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $20,660 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Allentown, PA?
Renting in Allentown costs a median of about $1,594 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Pennsylvania median is $1,367.
How much do I need to make to live in Allentown?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $63,760 a year, or $31 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Allentown cheap or expensive?
Allentown is rated Expensive: rent takes 32.0% of the typical household income of $59,850. It ranks 184th cheapest of 269 Pennsylvania cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Allentown?
The median homeowner in Allentown pays $3,829 a year in property taxes, about 1.85% of the median home value.
Is Allentown more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are same as the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Allentown?
The median home value in Allentown is $206,600, about 3.5 times the typical yearly household income.
125,976 people live in Allentown. Numbers are typical (middle) values.