Moving from Birmingham, AL to Allentown, PA
The drive from Birmingham, AL to Allentown, PA runs 874 mi — about 16h 18m 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.
874 mi · 16h 18m by car · AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → MD → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 9.1% pricier overall in Allentown than Birmingham on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Allentown typical home at $309,699 is 9.1% above Birmingham at $135,870 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 47.4" |
Climate cools by 10.8°F on the annual average — 63.9°F → 53.1°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.1% between Birmingham 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 Alabama 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 — 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Allentown averages 33.1 in annually vs 1.4 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Birmingham vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 20.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 874 mi and the route typically takes 16h 18m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 9.1% higher than Birmingham (99.968 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 874 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (10.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 56.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 127.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 509,200 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 Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Allentown, PA.