same $100k income, fresh start from Chattanooga
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
more expensive each month than Chattanooga
You'd pay for Allentown. The question is whether the days are worth the difference.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
19% more expensive than Chattanooga(vs $1,524/mo)
3.07%
$256/mo more in state tax than Chattanooga
vs 0% in Chattanooga
$6,269/mo
$540 less than Chattanooga
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
12% more expensive than Chattanooga
vs $322k in Chattanooga
874k
vs 580k in Chattanooga
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Chattanooga actually gets more: 167 pleasant days a year. Cold snaps are part of the year: 32 days below 20° here, 5 in Chattanooga.
Things to do run about even with Chattanooga.
73/100
6% higher than Chattanooga
vs 69/100 in Chattanooga
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
5% higher than Chattanooga
vs 82/100 in Chattanooga
9
13% more than Chattanooga
vs 8 nonstops in Chattanooga
compare allentown with:
