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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Dallas is 23% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,403/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 10%
$67,760/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 21%
$295,300 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 36%
$1,409/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 12%
1,299,553
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $14,357/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Allentown — common questions

Is Dallas or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Allentown?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Allentown?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $14,357/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Allentown details →

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