Moving from Allentown, PA to Renton, WA
A 2785 mi cross-country move between Allentown and Renton is 49h 20m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2785 mi Β· 49h 20m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.2% above Allentown β 99.968 β 111.133 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.55 |
Renton households earn about 11.2% more than Allentown at the median β $53,403 β $96,626 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Renton compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 146.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Renton, WA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 2785 mi and the route typically takes 49h 20m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 80.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2785 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Renton more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 11.2% higher than Allentown (111.133 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Renton, WA.