Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Independence, MO (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Allentown is 12% more expensive than Independence.

$1,269/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 16%
$53,403/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 11%
$188,900 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 12%
$1,243/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 16%
125,320
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.225%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $6,077/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Independence — common questions

Is Allentown or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Independence?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Independence?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $6,077/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Missouri?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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