on $100k a year, leaving Madison
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 Madison
Allentown and Madison land close on cost. The reasons to move are about how you'd live, not what you'd save.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
8% more expensive than Madison(vs $1,673/mo)
3.07%
$267/mo less in state tax than Madison
vs 6.27% in Madison
$6,269/mo
$131 more than Madison
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
23% cheaper than Madison
vs $465k in Madison
874k
vs 694k in Madison
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Madison only manages 147 of those.
32% fewer events than Madison. The pace eases up.
73/100
9% higher than Madison
vs 67/100 in Madison
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
2% lower than Madison
vs 88/100 in Madison
9
18% fewer than Madison
vs 11 nonstops in Madison
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
