$100k salary, packing up from Washington
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
below Washington's monthly cost
Allentown runs on a fraction of Washington's budget. Same paycheck, real lifestyle upgrade.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
23% cheaper than Washington(vs $2,352/mo)
3.07%
$452/mo less in state tax than Washington
vs 8.5% in Washington
$6,269/mo
$996 more than Washington
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
43% cheaper than Washington
vs $626k in Washington
874k
vs 6.3M in Washington
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Washington actually gets more: 177 pleasant days a year. Cold snaps are part of the year: 32 days below 20° here, 11 in Washington.
83% fewer events than Washington. The pace eases up.
73/100
16% lower than Washington
vs 87/100 in Washington
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
12% lower than Washington
vs 98/100 in Washington
9
94% fewer than Washington
vs 160 nonstops in Washington
same energy as allentown, different zip code:
compare allentown with:
