Moving from Atlanta, GA to Allentown, PA
The drive from Atlanta, GA to Allentown, PA runs 794 mi β about 15h 11m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
794 mi Β· 15h 11m by car Β· GA β SC β NC β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β SC β NC β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 85, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Charlotte, Concord |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Allentown and Atlanta is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Allentown is 0.1% below Atlanta ($309,699 vs $385,599 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 47.4" |
Climate cools by 9.2Β°F on the annual average β 62.3Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.1% between Atlanta and Allentown (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Allentown averages 33.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 34.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 794 mi and the route typically takes 15h 11m via I 81 and I 85. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 794 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 19.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allentown more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 0.1% lower than Atlanta (99.968 vs 100.058, 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 Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Allentown, PA.