Median rent is 23% lower in Allentown ($1,269/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Allentown, where the median home runs $188,900 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $53,403 a year). Taken together, Allentown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.1 against 98.8 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
Quick verdict
Allentown is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.1 in Allentown vs 98.8 in Austin (US average = 100)
City A
Allentown, PA
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Allentown, PA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$75,568
You'd need $568 more (1% higher).
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
Allentown
Pennsylvania
Austin
Texas
👥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 Allentown — median rent of $1,269/mo versus $1,655/mo in Austin, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Austin: the median home is $512,700 versus $188,900 in Allentown — 63% 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 Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Pennsylvania and 6.25% in Texas; Allentown has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Allentown
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Air quality data is available for Austin (avg AQI 47.0) but not yet for Allentown.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Allentown if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,269/mo median).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Allentown cheaper than Austin?
Allentown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.1 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Allentown.
How much is rent in Allentown vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,269/mo in Allentown, PA and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Allentown, PA has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Allentown or Austin?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown, PA and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Austin, 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 — Allentown or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. Pennsylvania has a top rate of 3.07%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Allentown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Allentown, PA is equivalent to roughly $100,758 in Austin, TX (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