Moving from Allentown, PA to Cleveland, OH
The 391 mi from Allentown to Cleveland translate to about 7h 32m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
391 mi Β· 7h 32m by car Β· OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 78, PA 54 |
| Major cities en route | Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 99.968 to 93.923, putting Cleveland roughly 6.0% below Allentown on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 6.0% below Allentown on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 33.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.0% between Allentown and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
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
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 62.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 6.0% lower than Allentown (93.923 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 26.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 391 mi and the route typically takes 7h 32m via I 80 and I 78. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 391 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Cleveland, OH.