with $100k coming in, swapping out of Durham
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 Durham
Almost a wash on cost. The case for Allentown is about what you'd do there, not what you'd save.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
7% more expensive than Durham(vs $1,684/mo)
3.07%
$119/mo less in state tax than Durham
vs 4.5% in Durham
$6,269/mo
$5 less than Durham
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
13% cheaper than Durham
vs $415k in Durham
874k
vs 609k in Durham
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Durham edges ahead with 178 pleasant days. Winter has bite, though: 32 days drop below 20° vs Durham's 5.
About as much going on as in Durham.
73/100
46% higher than Durham
vs 50/100 in Durham
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
8% higher than Durham
vs 80/100 in Durham
9
77% fewer than Durham
vs 39 nonstops in Durham
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
