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

Pasadena

Texas
76
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Pasadena is 4% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,201/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 6%
$64,270/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 17%
$193,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 2%
$1,141/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 9%
149,345
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $10,867/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $193,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Allentown — common questions

Is Pasadena or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Allentown?
Median rent in Pasadena is $1,201/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Allentown?
Median household income is $64,270 in Pasadena and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $10,867/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,201/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 Pasadena details → View Allentown details →

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