Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Memphis is 14% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,123/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 13%
$51,211/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 4%
$157,100 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 20%
$1,087/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
629,063
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $2,192/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Allentown — common questions

Is Memphis or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Allentown?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,192/year higher in Allentown.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Pennsylvania?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Allentown details →

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