Moving from Clarksville, TN to Allentown, PA
Relocating 844 mi from Clarksville to Allentown is a 15h 48m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
844 mi · 15h 48m by car · TN → VA → WV → MD → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → VA → WV → MD → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clarksville | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.947 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.546 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.801 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 9.9% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $318,206 vs $309,699.
YoY change: Clarksville -0.4%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Clarksville | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.5" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.5" | 47.4" |
Expect 6.1°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CLARKSVILLE WWTP, TN US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clarksville | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 171,897 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $66,786 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.9% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.65 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 9.9% — $66,786 → $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 Tennessee 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 0.5 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Clarksville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $39,730 in the Clarksville MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 96,210 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Clarksville vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $66,786 in Clarksville — a 20.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Clarksville and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 59.2°F in Clarksville (6.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 0.5 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 53.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Clarksville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $318,206 in Clarksville — a 2.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Clarksville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 9.9% higher than Clarksville (99.968 vs 90.947, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Clarksville 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 844 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Clarksville, TN?
The driving distance is 844 mi and the route typically takes 15h 48m via I 81 and US 11. 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 Clarksville.
City profiles: Clarksville, TN · Allentown, PA.