Median rent is 30% lower in Bethlehem ($1,311/mo vs $1,877/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bethlehem, where the median home runs $236,500 versus $429,900. Households earn more in Allen ($129,130 vs $66,443 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.1).
City A
Allen, TX
City B
Bethlehem, PA
How much would you need to earn in Bethlehem, PA to maintain your standard of living from Allen, TX?
Equivalent salary in Bethlehem, PA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Allen
Texas
Bethlehem
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Bethlehem — median rent of $1,311/mo versus $1,877/mo in Allen, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Allen: the median home is $429,900 versus $236,500 in Bethlehem — 45% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Pennsylvania tops out at 3.07% — giving Allen a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Bethlehem has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allen
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Bethlehem
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Allen if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,130/yr).
Pick Bethlehem if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,311/mo median).
Pick Allen if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Allen cheaper than Bethlehem?
Allen is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Allen.
How much is rent in Allen vs Bethlehem?
Median rent is $1,877/mo in Allen, TX and $1,311/mo in Bethlehem, PA. Bethlehem, PA has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Allen or Bethlehem?
Median household income is $129,130 in Allen, TX and $66,443 in Bethlehem, PA. Allen, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Allen or Bethlehem?
Texas has no state income tax. Pennsylvania has a top rate of 3.07%.
What salary do I need in Bethlehem to match my Allen income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allen, TX is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Bethlehem, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology