Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Abilene is 10% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,106/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 15%
$62,720/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 15%
$178,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 6%
$1,114/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 12%
127,130
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $9,317/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Allentown — common questions

Is Abilene or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Allentown?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Allentown?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,317/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Pennsylvania?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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