Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Tampa is 43% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,567/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 19%
$71,302/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 25%
$375,300 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 50%
$1,553/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 20%
393,389
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $17,899/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Allentown — common questions

Is Tampa or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Allentown?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Allentown?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $17,899/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Pennsylvania?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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