Moving from Allentown, PA to Peoria, AZ
Moving from Allentown, PA to Peoria, AZ is a 2358 mi cross-country relocation — about 42h 25m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2358 mi · 42h 25m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 70, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Allentown (99.968) and Peoria (103.316) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Peoria: 3.3% above Allentown on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Peoria -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 9.6" |
Major climate step-up: 17.1°F warmer annual average in Peoria vs Allentown.
Effectively snow-free year in Peoria — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 194,338 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $93,403 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 42.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.66 |
Median household income in Peoria is 3.3% above Allentown ($53,403 vs $93,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Peoria average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Peoria sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,403 in Peoria vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 74.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Peoria vs 53.1°F in Allentown (17.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 47.4 in.
Is Peoria more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 3.3% higher than Allentown (103.316 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $488,596 in Peoria vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 57.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2358 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Peoria MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Peoria, AZ from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 2358 mi and the route typically takes 42h 25m via I 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 9 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 · Peoria, AZ.