$100k a year, no longer in Salt Lake City
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 cost of moving past Salt Lake City
Allentown edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
13% more expensive than Salt Lake City(vs $1,608/mo)
3.07%
$132/mo less in state tax than Salt Lake City
vs 4.65% in Salt Lake City
$6,269/mo
$69 less than Salt Lake City
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
38% cheaper than Salt Lake City
vs $584k in Salt Lake City
874k
vs 1.3M in Salt Lake City
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Salt Lake City has the edge here, logging 168 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Salt Lake City stays 2.3× busier.
73/100
6% lower than Salt Lake City
vs 78/100 in Salt Lake City
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
8% higher than Salt Lake City
vs 80/100 in Salt Lake City
9
90% fewer than Salt Lake City
vs 90 nonstops in Salt Lake City
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
