with $100k coming in, swapping out of Des Moines
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 premium over Des Moines
Allentown runs a little pricier than Des Moines. The case has to be about something other than rent.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
43% more expensive than Des Moines(vs $1,268/mo)
3.07%
$244/mo less in state tax than Des Moines
vs 6% in Des Moines
$6,269/mo
$296 less than Des Moines
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
20% more expensive than Des Moines
vs $300k in Des Moines
874k
vs 737k in Des Moines
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Des Moines barely cracks 151 pleasant ones.
Des Moines hosts 1.7× more events.
73/100
33% higher than Des Moines
vs 55/100 in Des Moines
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
10% higher than Des Moines
vs 78/100 in Des Moines
9
47% fewer than Des Moines
vs 17 nonstops in Des Moines
same energy as allentown, different zip code:
compare allentown with:
