Allentown vs Madison
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Allentown
Madison
The Verdict
Living in Allentown costs 7.5% less than Madison. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Allentown, you would need $81,122 in Madison.
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 $81,122 in Madison.
Conversely, $75,000 in Madison equals $69,340 in Allentown.
Living in Allentown vs Madison
Housing Costs
Allentown's housing index of 109 is lower Madison's 115, translating to median home prices of $232,000 vs $340,000. The $108,000 difference in home prices means roughly $7,020 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in Allentown compared to $1,400/mo in Madison, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Allentown and 101 in Madison. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Allentown vs $480/month in Madison. 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 97 in Madison. Monthly utility bills average approximately $408 in Allentown vs $388 in Madison. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 83 in Allentown and 105 in Madison. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 22-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 $67,565 in Madison. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $56,633 and $63,741 respectively. Madison 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 $1,577/month in Madison. In Allentown, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Madison, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 22 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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