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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Allentown is 4% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,269/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 4%
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 37%
$188,900 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 10%
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ≈ Same
125,320
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $19,627/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Odessa — common questions

Is Allentown or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Odessa?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Odessa?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $19,627/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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