Moving from Allentown, PA to New York, NY
Moving from Allentown, PA to New York, NY covers 97 mi and about 2h 10m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
97 mi · 2h 10m by car · NY → NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, NJTP, PA 145 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | New York | 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 |
BEA RPP moves from 99.968 in Allentown to 112.563 in New York, a 12.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in New York: 12.6% above Allentown on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, New York +4.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 85°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 24.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 47.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 24.5 in of snowfall annually at New York.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 8,516,202 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $79,713 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 23.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.57 |
Median household income in New York is 12.6% above Allentown ($53,403 vs $79,713, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in New York 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 York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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: New York averages 24.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is New York more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in New York is 12.6% higher than Allentown (112.563 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in New York compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $812,861 in New York vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 162.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in New York compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the New York 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.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and New York?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in New York vs 53.1°F in Allentown (2.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 24.5 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 47.1 in vs 47.4 in.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs New York?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,713 in New York vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 49.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to New York?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 97 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is New York, NY from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 97 mi and the route typically takes 2h 10m via I 78 and NJTP. The trip crosses 3 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 · New York, NY.