Moving from Cambridge, MA to Allentown, PA
Relocating between Cambridge, MA and Allentown, PA is a 300 mi drive β 6h 21m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
300 mi Β· 6h 21m by car Β· PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, I 95, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Allentown at 99.968 vs Cambridge at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,041,569 to $309,699 moving to Allentown.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2Β°F) and Allentown (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.7% β $126,469 β $53,403 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 Cambridge vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 57.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 70.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.7% lower than Cambridge (99.968 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 300 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 300 mi and the route typically takes 6h 21m via I 78 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Allentown, PA.