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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Arlington is 20% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,389/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 9%
$73,519/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
$276,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 32%
$1,420/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
394,769
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $20,116/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Allentown — common questions

Is Arlington or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Allentown?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Allentown?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $20,116/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Pennsylvania?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Allentown details →

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