Moving from Allentown, PA to Cincinnati, OH
The drive from Allentown, PA to Cincinnati, OH runs 553 mi β about 10h 55m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
553 mi Β· 10h 55m by car Β· OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Columbus, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Cincinnati and Allentown is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Cincinnati is 4.6% below Allentown ($249,568 vs $309,699 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 43.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1Β°F) and Cincinnati (54.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.17 |
Median household incomes in Allentown ($53,403) and Cincinnati ($51,707) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 553 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 19.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 553 mi and the route typically takes 10h 55m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 4.6% lower than Allentown (95.37 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Cincinnati, OH.