with $100k coming in, swapping out of Fresno
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
less monthly outlay than Fresno
You'd feel the difference in Allentown. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Fresno.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
10% cheaper than Fresno(vs $1,999/mo)
3.07%
$519/mo less in state tax than Fresno
vs 9.3% in Fresno
$6,269/mo
$710 more than Fresno
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
14% cheaper than Fresno
vs $418k in Fresno
874k
vs 1.2M in Fresno
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Fresno actually gets more: 206 pleasant days a year. Cold snaps are part of the year: 32 days below 20° here, 0 in Fresno.
Things to do run about even with Fresno.
73/100
11% higher than Fresno
vs 66/100 in Fresno
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
3% lower than Fresno
vs 89/100 in Fresno
9
18% fewer than Fresno
vs 11 nonstops in Fresno
compare allentown with:
