Allentown, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Allentown, PA Utility & Living Guide

Allentown offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, making it a great place to live.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Allentown
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PPL Electric Utilities
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

UGI Utilities
💧 Water

$45/mo

Allentown Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Allentown Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Allentown is competitive, with rising demand for single-family homes. Prices have increased steadily over the past few years due to limited inventory.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Allentown is moderately accessible, with some buses equipped with ramps for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Lehigh Valley Zoo
  • 🎯
    Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
  • 🎯
    Da Vinci Science Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

West End and East Side are popular for families due to good schools and parks. These areas offer a mix of historic homes and newer developments.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Allentown based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to strict zoning laws.

Relocation Overview

Allentown is experiencing growth in healthcare and logistics sectors. Local investments in infrastructure are boosting economic development.

Live Local News

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Allentown — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$47,703
👤 Median Age
31.9
🏠 Homeownership Rate
41.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
58.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
23.3%
💼 Unemployment Rate
9.6%
📡 Internet Access
82.7%
🎓 College Educated
15.3%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs and in summer due to air conditioning usage. Spring and fall typically see lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by school district, with Allentown School District having higher rates. No local surtaxes specific to Allentown county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: sidewalks are generally well-maintained, parks are accessible, but elevator access in transit is limited.

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