same $100k income, fresh start from Salem
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
cheaper each month than Salem
You'd feel the difference in Allentown. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Salem.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
10% more expensive than Salem(vs $1,642/mo)
3.07%
$473/mo less in state tax than Salem
vs 8.75% in Salem
$6,269/mo
$307 more than Salem
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
21% cheaper than Salem
vs $452k in Salem
874k
vs 437k in Salem
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Salem actually gets more: 201 pleasant days a year. Winter shows up, though: 32 days below 20° vs Salem's 1.
27.0× the events of Salem, and the calendar shows it.
73/100
6% higher than Salem
vs 69/100 in Salem
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
2% lower than Salem
vs 88/100 in Salem
9
0% fewer than Salem
vs 0 nonstops in Salem
cities that play in allentown's register:
compare allentown with:
