$100k a year, no longer in Albuquerque
changea dispatch from
allentown
PA
40.60°N
75.49°W
Allentown is the heart of the Lehigh Valley, with old industrial bones turning into a quietly resilient mid-sized city. The Lehigh River runs past, the historic downtown has been steadily finding its footing with breweries and restaurants in the old buildings, and the surrounding farmland is gorgeous. It's an hour and change from both Philly and NYC. Cheaper than both, by a lot.
the verdict
the monthly cost of moving past Albuquerque
Allentown edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
21% more expensive than Albuquerque(vs $1,489/mo)
3.07%
$236/mo less in state tax than Albuquerque
vs 5.9% in Albuquerque
$6,269/mo
$84 less than Albuquerque
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
2% more expensive than Albuquerque
vs $351k in Albuquerque
874k
vs 924k in Albuquerque
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Albuquerque actually gets more: 205 pleasant days a year. Winter shows up, though: 32 days below 20° vs Albuquerque's 6.
But the calendar thins out: Albuquerque stays 1.6× busier.
73/100
10% lower than Albuquerque
vs 81/100 in Albuquerque
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
9% lower than Albuquerque
vs 94/100 in Albuquerque
9
61% fewer than Albuquerque
vs 23 nonstops in Albuquerque
same energy as allentown, different zip code:
compare allentown with:
