$100k a year, no longer in Trenton
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 Trenton
Allentown runs on a fraction of Trenton's budget. Same paycheck, real lifestyle upgrade.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
29% cheaper than Trenton(vs $2,540/mo)
3.07%
$275/mo less in state tax than Trenton
vs 6.37% in Trenton
$6,269/mo
$1,006 more than Trenton
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
21% cheaper than Trenton
vs $456k in Trenton
874k
vs 382k in Trenton
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Trenton gets 171 pleasant days a year, so you'd be trading some sunshine.
A real upgrade on things to do: 2.5× Trenton's pace.
73/100
3% higher than Trenton
vs 71/100 in Trenton
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
2% lower than Trenton
vs 88/100 in Trenton
9
93% fewer than Trenton
vs 123 nonstops in Trenton
compare allentown with:
