Moving from Allentown, PA to Pittsburgh, PA
The 283 mi from Allentown to Pittsburgh translate to about 5h 37m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
283 mi · 5h 37m by car · PA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 78 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh is 5.3% cheaper than Allentown overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pittsburgh is 5.3% below Allentown — $309,699 vs $237,533 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 41.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Pittsburgh (52.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 5.3% between Allentown and Pittsburgh (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 5.3% lower than Allentown (94.671 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 283 mi and the route typically takes 5h 37m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 283 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 Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 20.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 23.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 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 · Pittsburgh, PA.