Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Tucson is 4% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,079/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 18%
$54,546/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 2%
$242,200 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 22%
$1,076/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 16%
543,348
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
3.07%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $1,143/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tucson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Allentown — common questions

Is Tucson or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Allentown?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Allentown?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,143/year higher in Tucson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Pennsylvania?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Allentown details →

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