Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Allentown, PA
A move from Cincinnati, OH to Allentown, PA covers 553 mi and around 10h 55m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
553 mi Β· 10h 55m by car Β· OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Columbus, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown and Cincinnati are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.37 vs 99.968); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Allentown typical home at $309,699 is 4.8% above Cincinnati at $249,568 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°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: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 33 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.72 |
Household income lines up β $51,707 vs $53,403 on ACS 5-year 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 Ohio 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-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 the job market in Allentown compare to Cincinnati?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 1,081,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 3.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 553 mi and the route typically takes 10h 55m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 24.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 553 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Allentown more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 4.8% higher than Cincinnati (99.968 vs 95.37, 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 Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Allentown, PA.