Moving from Allentown, PA to Akron, OH
It is a 368 mi drive, roughly 7h 3m, between Allentown, PA and Akron, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
368 mi Β· 7h 3m by car Β· OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Akron | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 93.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 96.448 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 76.785 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.6% cheaper overall in Akron than Allentown on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.6% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Akron +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 32.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 189,526 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $48,544 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 15.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.26 |
Households in Akron earn about 6.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Akron MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 39,390 | $41,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 35,340 | $38,160 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 28,050 | $35,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,940 | $28,550 |
| Production Occupations | 25,300 | $41,600 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Akron more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Akron is 6.6% lower than Allentown (93.37 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Akron compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,950 in the Akron MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 320,810 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Akron?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 368 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Akron, OH from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Akron?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,544 in Akron vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 9.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Akron compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $137,894 in Akron vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 55.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Akron, OH.