Allentown vs Aurora
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Allentown
Aurora
The Verdict
Living in Allentown costs 21.0% less than Aurora. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Allentown, you would need $94,898 in Aurora.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Allentown has the same purchasing power as $94,898 in Aurora.
Conversely, $75,000 in Aurora equals $59,274 in Allentown.
Living in Allentown vs Aurora
Housing Costs
Allentown's housing index of 109 is lower Aurora's 174, translating to median home prices of $232,000 vs $410,000. The $178,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,568 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in Allentown compared to $1,750/mo in Aurora, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Allentown and 102 in Aurora. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Allentown vs $485/month in Aurora. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 102 in Allentown and 87 in Aurora. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Allentown vs $348 in Aurora. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 83 in Allentown and 119 in Aurora. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 36-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,500 in Allentown and $84,300 in Aurora. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,633 and $67,984 respectively. Aurora residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,295/month to housing in Allentown vs $1,967/month in Aurora. In Allentown, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Aurora, median rent of $1,750/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 65 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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