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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Houston is 11% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,313/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 3%
$62,894/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 15%
$253,400 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 25%
$1,316/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 6%
2,300,419
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,491/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Allentown — common questions

Is Houston or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Allentown?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Allentown?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,491/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Allentown details →

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