Moving from Columbus, OH to Allentown, PA
Moving from Columbus, OH to Allentown, PA covers 449 mi and about 8h 48m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
449 mi Β· 8h 48m 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 | Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown and Columbus are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.469 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 4.7% above Columbus at $245,979 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.8Β°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: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 33 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 4.7% below Columbus ($65,327 β $53,403, 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 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
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 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 Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 8h 48m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 4.7% higher than Columbus (99.968 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 25.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 1,067,190 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 Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Allentown, PA.