Moving from Dayton, OH to Allentown, PA
Relocating 519 mi from Dayton to Allentown is a 10h 11m drive through 3 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.
519 mi · 10h 11m by car · OH → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown runs about 7.8% more expensive overall than Dayton — RPP 92.694 → 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $136,592 in Dayton to $309,699 in Allentown, a 7.8% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.3°F vs 53.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
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: DAYTON MCD, OH US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to rise 7.8% — $43,454 → $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 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 — 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-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 12.3 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
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 53.3°F in Dayton (0.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 41.7 in.
How far is Allentown, PA from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 519 mi and the route typically takes 10h 11m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Dayton 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 519 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Allentown more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.8% higher than Dayton (99.968 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 126.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 22.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Allentown, PA.