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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Allentown is 56% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,269/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 53%
$53,403/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 157%
$188,900 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 115%
$1,243/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 58%
125,320
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $84,108/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Allentown or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $84,108/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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