same $100k income, fresh start from Seattle
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
under Seattle, every month
On paper, Allentown and Seattle are twins. In practice they live very differently.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
18% cheaper than Seattle(vs $2,193/mo)
3.07%
$256/mo more in state tax than Seattle
vs 0% in Seattle
$6,269/mo
$129 more than Seattle
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
55% cheaper than Seattle
vs $791k in Seattle
874k
vs 4.0M in Seattle
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Seattle edges ahead with 182 pleasant days. Winter has bite, though: 32 days drop below 20° vs Seattle's 0.
Noticeably quieter than Seattle. About 89% fewer events on a typical month.
73/100
22% lower than Seattle
vs 93/100 in Seattle
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
12% lower than Seattle
vs 98/100 in Seattle
9
90% fewer than Seattle
vs 90 nonstops in Seattle
if allentown appeals, also worth a look:
compare allentown with:
