with $100k coming in, swapping out of Indianapolis
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 cost of moving past Indianapolis
Allentown costs more than Indianapolis, and you'll feel it. The upside has to come from somewhere other than your budget.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
20% more expensive than Indianapolis(vs $1,511/mo)
3.07%
$6/mo more in state tax than Indianapolis
vs 3% in Indianapolis
$6,269/mo
$303 less than Indianapolis
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
21% more expensive than Indianapolis
vs $296k in Indianapolis
874k
vs 2.1M in Indianapolis
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Indianapolis gets 174 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine.
Lighter on events: Indianapolis packs 3.3× more into a month.
73/100
18% higher than Indianapolis
vs 62/100 in Indianapolis
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
13% lower than Indianapolis
vs 99/100 in Indianapolis
9
74% fewer than Indianapolis
vs 35 nonstops in Indianapolis
compare allentown with:
