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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Nashville is 39% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,486/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 15%
$75,197/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 29%
$383,100 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 51%
$1,471/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 15%
684,298
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $217/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $2,604/year.

Median household income is $21,794/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Allentown — common questions

Is Nashville or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Allentown?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $217/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Allentown?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $21,794/year higher in Nashville.
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 Nashville or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Allentown details →

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