Moving from Allentown, PA to Independence, MO
It is 1093 mi between Allentown and Independence — roughly 20h 57m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1093 mi · 20h 57m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.4% cheaper overall in Independence than Allentown on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.4% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 7.4% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Independence, MO from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1093 mi and the route typically takes 20h 57m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1093 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 11.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 53.1°F in Allentown (0.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 47.4 in.
Is Independence more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 7.4% lower than Allentown (92.543 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 32.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Independence, MO.