Moving from Allentown, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Relocating between Allentown, PA and Jersey City, NJ is a 87 mi drive — 1h 47m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
87 mi · 1h 47m by car · NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, NJTP, PA 145 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Jersey City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 12.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $658,269 moving to Jersey City.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Jersey City -0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 25°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 28.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Jersey City (54.8°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Jersey City averages 28.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, HARRISON, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 289,691 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $94,813 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 29.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.35 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.6% — $53,403 → $94,813 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jersey City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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: Jersey City averages 28.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Jersey City averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Jersey City compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $658,269 in Jersey City vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 112.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Jersey City compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Jersey City MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Jersey City more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jersey City is 12.6% higher than Allentown (112.563 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Jersey City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 87 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Jersey City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.8°F in Jersey City vs 53.1°F in Allentown (1.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 28.2 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 47.4 in.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Jersey City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,813 in Jersey City vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 77.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Jersey City, NJ from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 87 mi and the route typically takes 1h 47m via I 78 and NJTP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Jersey City, NJ.