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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Allentown is 58% cheaper than Allen.

$1,269/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 48%
$53,403/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 142%
$188,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 128%
$1,243/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 68%
125,320
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $75,727/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Allen — common questions

Is Allentown or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Allen?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Allen?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $75,727/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Texas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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