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

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Allentown is 60% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,269/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 41%
$53,403/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 165%
$188,900 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 154%
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 61%
125,320
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $523/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,276/year.

Median household income is $87,950/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Allentown or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $523/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $87,950/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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