$100k a year, no longer in Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia
Allentown is the easier version of your monthly budget. Lower rent, lighter monthly outlay.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
3% cheaper than Philadelphia(vs $1,869/mo)
3.07%
$312/mo less in state tax than Philadelphia
vs 6.82% in Philadelphia
$6,269/mo
$373 more than Philadelphia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
9% cheaper than Philadelphia
vs $393k in Philadelphia
874k
vs 6.2M in Philadelphia
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Philadelphia gets 173 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine.
85% fewer events than Philadelphia. The pace eases up.
73/100
6% higher than Philadelphia
vs 69/100 in Philadelphia
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
14% lower than Philadelphia
vs 100/100 in Philadelphia
9
93% fewer than Philadelphia
vs 122 nonstops in Philadelphia
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
