with $100k coming in, swapping out of Wilmington
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 Wilmington
A small premium for Allentown. Worth it only if the rest of the city earns it back.
a quick ledger.
$1,809/mo
8% more expensive than Wilmington(vs $1,675/mo)
3.07%
$119/mo less in state tax than Wilmington
vs 4.5% in Wilmington
$6,269/mo
$14 less than Wilmington
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$359k
20% cheaper than Wilmington
vs $448k in Wilmington
874k
vs 467k in Wilmington
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in allentown.
Wilmington has the edge here, logging 235 pleasant days a year. Winter shows up, though: 32 days below 20° vs Wilmington's 1.
A real upgrade on things to do: 1.4× Wilmington's pace.
73/100
35% higher than Wilmington
vs 54/100 in Wilmington
Closest outdoor draw: Lehigh Gorge State Park, 23.6 mi.
86/100
28% higher than Wilmington
vs 67/100 in Wilmington
9
80% more than Wilmington
vs 5 nonstops in Wilmington
same energy as allentown, different zip code:
compare allentown with:
