Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Tacoma is 59% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,597/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 21%
$83,857/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 36%
$454,600 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 58%
$1,747/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 29%
220,482
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $328/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,936/year.

Median household income is $30,454/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Allentown — common questions

Is Tacoma or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Allentown?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $328/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Allentown?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $30,454/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Pennsylvania?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Allentown details →

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