Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Kansas City is 18% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,073/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 18%
$59,183/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 10%
$147,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 28%
$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
154,776
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $5,780/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Allentown — common questions

Is Kansas City or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Allentown?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Allentown?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $5,780/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Pennsylvania?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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