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City Report · PA

Allentown

Pop. 125,976·72nd most expensive in Pennsylvania·Allentown rents are up 5.0% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,738/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.0%
Month-over-Month
+0.2%
vs US Median
-$213
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Allentown · $1,738
More affordable than 58% of US cities · National median $1,951/mo
Rent Reality Score
58/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Allentown's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,738/mo
Expected by trend
$1,812/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Allentown's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,038
1 BR
$1,220
2 BR
$1,518
3 BR
$1,938
4 BR+
$2,020
Research median
$1,518/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$20,856/yr
At $1,738/mo median
Market timing
Rents stable
Prices holding steady month-over-month.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Allentown, PA is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 19.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
125,976
Median income
$55,494
Median age
33.1
Renters
56.8%
Age distribution
24.4%
27.9%
23%
13.5%
Under 1824.4%
18–3427.9%
35–5423%
55–6411.2%
65+13.5%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
34.1%
56.3%
White34.1%
Black11%
Hispanic56.3%
Asian2%
Education (25+)
18.9%
38.9%
23.1%
19.1%
No HS diploma18.9%
HS diploma38.9%
Some college23.1%
Bachelor's+19.1%
Housing tenure
43.2%
56.8%
Owner43.2%
Renter56.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Allentown, PA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,307 → $1,738
up 33.0%
Income
$47,703 → $55,494
up 16.3%
Population
125,250 → 125,976
up 0.6%
Renter share
58.5% → 56.8%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
17.3% → 19.1%
+1.8 pts
Median age
31.9 → 33.1
+1.2 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Allentown, PA has shifted from $1,307 to $1,738, up 33.0% since 2021. On the earnings side, the typical household in Allentown, PA now reports about $55,494, up from $47,703 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has eased from 58.5% to 56.8%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Allentown, PA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Allentown rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Allentown on your salary?

At $1,738/mo, how Allentown rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Allentown rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Allentown. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Allentown

About renting in Allentown, PA

Last updated: June 22, 2026

The median rent in Allentown is $1,738/mo as of June 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,038/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,518/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,220/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,938/mo.

At 38% of local median household income ($55,494/yr), Allentown ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Allentown an affordable city for renters?

Allentown is considered moderate for renters. At $1,738/mo, rent takes approximately 38% of the local median household income ($55,494/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Allentown slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Allentown?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $70,000/year (~$34/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,738/mo in Allentown. The local median household income is $55,494/yr, meaning the typical Allentown household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Allentown?

Rent in Allentown has increased 5.0% over the past year as of June 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Allentown neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Allentown are 18102 ($1,499/mo), 18101 ($1,610/mo), and 18109 ($1,636/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Allentown is $1,738/mo.

How does Allentown rent compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Allentown is middle-of-the-pack for Pennsylvania for rent, ranking #72 out of 165 tracked cities at $1,738/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Allentown?

Emmaus is nearby and more affordable at $1,726/mo, which is $12 less than Allentown.

What percentage of Allentown residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 56.8% of Allentown households are renters, while 43.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Allentown has a strong rental market.

How does Allentown rent compare to the national average?

Allentown's median rent of $1,738/mo is $213 (11%) below the US national median of $1,951/mo. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #72 out of 165 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
38%
MODERATE

At $1,738/mo, rent takes ~38% of Allentown's median household income ($55,494/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Allentown 38%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.07%
Run the Allentown affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Allentown, PA

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