with $100k coming in, swapping out of Allentown
changea dispatch from
salem
OR
44.94°N
123.03°W
Salem is the Oregon state capital, smaller and quieter than Portland (less than an hour north), with the Willamette River running through downtown and the surrounding Willamette Valley producing some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. The state capitol is topped by a gold-leaf pioneer statue. Cherry blossoms line the riverfront every spring. Affordable and underrated.
the verdict
pricier each month than Allentown
Salem costs meaningfully more. Whether it earns that back in the day-to-day is the actual question.
a quick ledger.
$1,642/mo
9% cheaper than Allentown(vs $1,809/mo)
8.75%
$473/mo more in state tax than Allentown
vs 3.07% in Allentown
$5,962/mo
$307 less than Allentown
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$452k
26% more expensive than Allentown
vs $359k in Allentown
437k
vs 874k in Allentown
field notes, weather & such.
201
pleasant days a year, in salem.
Allentown only manages 157 of those.
Noticeably quieter than Allentown. About 96% fewer events on a typical month.
69/100
5% lower than Allentown
vs 73/100 in Allentown
Closest outdoor draw: Mt. Hood National Forest, 46.2 mi.
88/100
2% higher than Allentown
vs 86/100 in Allentown
0
100% fewer than Allentown
vs 9 nonstops in Allentown
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