True Cost of Renting in Allentown, PA
Allentown anchors the Lehigh Valley — the fastest-growing metro area in Pennsylvania. The NIZ (Neighborhood Improvement Zone) tax incentive has driven major Downtown redevelopment since 2012, including the PPL Center arena and the Renaissance Hotel. PPL Electric Utilities serves the area at competitive Pennsylvania rates. The Lehigh Valley's proximity to NYC (90 miles) has attracted distribution and logistics operations that employ tens of thousands.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
West End
- Studio:
- $950/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Allentown's most desirable residential neighborhood; tree-lined streets with Victorian homes and neighborhood commercial districts. Mix of apartment buildings and converted homes. PPL Electric. LANTA bus access to Downtown. Close to Lehigh Valley Hospital.
Downtown / NIZ District
- Studio:
- $1,000/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,800/mo
Revitalized downtown anchored by PPL Center arena; new apartments in mixed-use buildings. LANTA transit hub. Walk to courts, city hall, and business district. More active nightlife since NIZ development. Older surrounding blocks — research specific areas.
Bethlehem (adjacent)
- Studio:
- $1,000/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,300/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,800/mo
Adjacent city with Lehigh University and a revitalized historic Bethlehem Steel SteelStacks arts campus. Slightly higher rents than Allentown but stronger neighborhood character. Northside walkable main street near Lehigh. LANTA bus service.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- PPL Electric Utilities
- Water
- Allentown Water Resources / Pennsylvania American Water
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, RCN, Verizon
Commute & Transportation
The Lehigh Valley is a major logistics and distribution hub — Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Chewy have large operations along Route 22 and I-78. I-78 connects the Lehigh Valley to NYC (90 miles, 90 minutes off-peak) and Philadelphia (55 miles, 55 minutes). Route 22 is the primary east-west arterial. LANTA provides local bus service with no rail transit. The Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) serves the area with regional connections. Major employers beyond logistics: Air Products, PPL Corporation, St Luke's University Health Network, and Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Rental Market Overview
The Lehigh Valley has been the fastest-growing metro in Pennsylvania driven by distribution and remote worker migration from NYC metro area. PPL Electric rates are moderate. Rents have risen 18–25% since 2020, significantly faster than historical norms, as NYC-area workers discovered the value. Monthly NJ Transit and/or driving commutes to NYC are possible but demanding. No commuter rail — car ownership is essentially required. Renters insurance averages $13–18/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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