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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Allentown is 49% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,269/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 44%
$53,403/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 80%
$188,900 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 115%
$1,243/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 44%
125,320
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $42,854/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Richardson — common questions

Is Allentown or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Richardson?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Richardson?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $42,854/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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