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

Mesquite

Texas
89
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Mesquite is 13% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,407/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 10%
$71,843/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 26%
$226,500 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 17%
$1,383/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 10%
148,848
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesquite, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $18,440/year higher in Mesquite. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesquite is $226,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesquite vs Allentown — common questions

Is Mesquite or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesquite and Allentown?
Median rent in Mesquite is $1,407/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesquite or Allentown?
Median household income is $71,843 in Mesquite and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $18,440/year higher in Mesquite.
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 Mesquite or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,407/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 Mesquite details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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