Allentown vs Bismarck
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Allentown
Bismarck
The Verdict
Bismarck is 3.2% less expensive than Allentown overall. A household earning $75,000 in Allentown would need approximately $72,704 in Bismarck to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $72,704 in Bismarck.
Conversely, $75,000 in Bismarck equals $77,368 in Allentown.
Living in Allentown vs Bismarck
Housing Costs
Allentown's housing index of 109 is higher Bismarck's 90, translating to median home prices of $232,000 vs $348,000. The $116,000 difference in home prices means roughly $7,536 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in Allentown compared to $1,100/mo in Bismarck, a monthly difference of $125.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Allentown and 99 in Bismarck. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Allentown vs $470/month in Bismarck. 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 82 in Bismarck. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Allentown vs $328 in Bismarck. 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 103 in Bismarck. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-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 $77,600 in Bismarck. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,633 and $81,684 respectively. Bismarck 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 $1,811/month in Bismarck. In Allentown, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Bismarck, median rent of $1,100/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 20 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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