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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Allentown is 12% cheaper than College Station.

$1,269/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 8%
$53,403/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 3%
$188,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 73%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
125,320
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $1,627/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs College Station — common questions

Is Allentown or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and College Station?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or College Station?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $1,627/year higher in Allentown.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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