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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Waco is 9% cheaper than Allentown.

$1,098/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 16%
$51,468/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↑ 4%
$199,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 5%
$1,094/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 14%
141,925
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $1,935/year higher in Allentown. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Allentown — common questions

Is Waco or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Allentown?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Allentown?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $1,935/year higher in Allentown.
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 Waco or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Allentown details →

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