Moving from Chicago, IL to Allentown, PA
The drive from Chicago, IL to Allentown, PA runs 719 mi β about 13h 30m 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.
719 mi Β· 13h 30m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, South Bend, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown and Chicago are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 99.968); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 53.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.5% between Chicago 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 Illinois 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.
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
Is Allentown more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 3.5% lower than Chicago (99.968 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 2.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 719 mi and the route typically takes 13h 30m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 28.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 719 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Allentown, PA.