Moving from Allentown, PA to Knoxville, TN
Relocating 621 mi from Allentown to Knoxville is a 11h 39m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
621 mi Β· 11h 39m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.4% cheaper overall in Knoxville than Allentown on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 7.4% above Allentown β $309,699 β $369,216 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.28 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 621 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 621 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Knoxville more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Knoxville is 7.4% lower than Allentown (92.569 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 4.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 19.2% higher 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· Knoxville, TN.