$100k a year, no longer in Chicago
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
under Chicago, every month
Allentown is the easier version of your monthly budget. Lower rent, lighter monthly outlay.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
17% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
3.07%
$157/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,269/mo
$518 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
2% cheaper than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
874k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Chicago only manages 153 of those.
But the calendar thins out: Chicago stays 48.0× busier.
73/100
4% higher than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
14% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
9
96% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
