Moving from Allentown, PA to Richmond, VA
The 296 mi from Allentown to Richmond translate to about 6h 10m behind the wheel through 5 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.
296 mi · 6h 10m by car · VA → DC → MD → DE → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → DC → MD → DE → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 476, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Alexandria, Baltimore, Philadelphia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Richmond and Allentown is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 2.1% above Allentown ($369,646 vs $309,699 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 45.5" |
Climate warms by 5.8°F on the annual average — 53.1°F → 58.9°F.
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.23 |
Income steps up 2.1%: $53,403 in Allentown vs $62,671 in Richmond.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap 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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 296 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 19.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 53.1°F in Allentown (5.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 47.4 in.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Richmond, VA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 296 mi and the route typically takes 6h 10m via I 95 and I 476. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Richmond more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 2.1% lower than Allentown (97.858 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 17.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Richmond, VA.