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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Austin is 70% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,655/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 23%
$91,461/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 42%
$512,700 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 63%
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
967,862
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $38,058/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Allentown — common questions

Is Austin or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Allentown?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Allentown?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $38,058/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Allentown details →

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