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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Garland is 22% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,525/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 17%
$74,717/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 29%
$248,900 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 24%
$1,445/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 14%
245,298
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $21,314/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Allentown — common questions

Is Garland or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Allentown?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Allentown?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $21,314/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Allentown details →

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