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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

San Antonio is 4% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,258/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ≈ Same
$62,917/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 15%
$219,700 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 14%
$1,235/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ≈ Same
1,458,954
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,514/year higher in San Antonio. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Allentown — common questions

Is San Antonio or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Allentown?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Allentown?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $9,514/year higher in San Antonio.
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 San Antonio or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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