$100k salary, packing up from Ocala
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 Ocala
Allentown costs more than Ocala, and you'll feel it. The upside has to come from somewhere other than your budget.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
12% more expensive than Ocala(vs $1,616/mo)
3.07%
$256/mo more in state tax than Ocala
vs 0% in Ocala
$6,269/mo
$448 less than Ocala
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
30% more expensive than Ocala
vs $277k in Ocala
874k
vs 410k in Ocala
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Ocala gets 208 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine. Winter has bite, though: 32 days drop below 20° vs Ocala's 0.
Nights and weekends fill up faster. 27.0× more on the calendar than Ocala.
73/100
18% higher than Ocala
vs 62/100 in Ocala
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
37% higher than Ocala
vs 63/100 in Ocala
9
80% more than Ocala
vs 5 nonstops in Ocala
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
