Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Allentown is 6% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,269/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 21%
$53,403/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 9%
$188,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 25%
$1,243/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 16%
125,320
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $264/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,168/year.

Median household income is $4,867/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Allentown or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $264/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $4,867/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Alabama?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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