Moving from Concord, NC to Allentown, PA
A move from Concord, NC to Allentown, PA covers 537 mi and around 10h 41m of driving through 5 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.
537 mi · 10h 41m by car · PA → MD → WV → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → MD → WV → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 220, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Charlotte |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Concord | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.348 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.164 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.58 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.635 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown and Concord are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.348 vs 99.968); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.7% lower in Allentown than Concord as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Concord -1.9%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Concord | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 29°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.3" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 47.4" |
Allentown is 7.6°F cooler on the annual average (60.7°F vs 53.1°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CONCORD, NC US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,518 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $84,752 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.3% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 2.7% below Concord ($84,752 vs $53,403, 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 North Carolina 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in 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 3.3 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 far is Allentown, PA from Concord, NC?
The driving distance is 537 mi and the route typically takes 10h 41m via I 81 and US 220. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Concord and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 60.7°F in Concord (7.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 3.3 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 47.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Concord 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 537 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $84,752 in Concord — a 37.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $47,830 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 1,311,360 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $382,592 in Concord — a 19.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 2.7% higher than Concord (99.968 vs 97.348, 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 Concord.
City profiles: Concord, NC · Allentown, PA.