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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Plano is 67% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,792/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 29%
$108,649/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 51%
$440,600 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 57%
$1,829/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 32%
287,339
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $523/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $6,276/year.

Median household income is $55,246/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Allentown — common questions

Is Plano or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Allentown?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $523/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Allentown?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $55,246/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Allentown

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