$100k salary, packing up from Melbourne
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 Melbourne
Allentown edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
5% cheaper than Melbourne(vs $1,895/mo)
3.07%
$256/mo more in state tax than Melbourne
vs 0% in Melbourne
$6,269/mo
$169 less than Melbourne
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
2% more expensive than Melbourne
vs $351k in Melbourne
874k
vs 644k in Melbourne
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Melbourne has the edge here, logging 254 pleasant days a year. Winter shows up, though: 32 days below 20° vs Melbourne's 0.
73/100
33% higher than Melbourne
vs 55/100 in Melbourne
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
2% higher than Melbourne
vs 84/100 in Melbourne
9
350% more than Melbourne
vs 2 nonstops in Melbourne
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
