with $100k coming in, swapping out of Columbia
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
lighter monthly cost than Columbia
On paper, Allentown and Columbia are twins. In practice they live very differently.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
17% more expensive than Columbia(vs $1,551/mo)
3.07%
$286/mo less in state tax than Columbia
vs 6.5% in Columbia
$6,269/mo
$28 more than Columbia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
41% more expensive than Columbia
vs $255k in Columbia
874k
vs 857k in Columbia
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Columbia edges ahead with 189 pleasant days. A real winter, not a brutal one: 32 days under 20°, vs 2 in Columbia.
A real upgrade on things to do: 1.4× Columbia's pace.
73/100
33% higher than Columbia
vs 55/100 in Columbia
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
1% higher than Columbia
vs 85/100 in Columbia
9
10% fewer than Columbia
vs 10 nonstops in Columbia
compare allentown with:
