Moving from Elgin, IL to Allentown, PA
It is 763 mi between Elgin and Allentown — roughly 14h 27m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
763 mi · 14h 27m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.5% under Elgin — $329,682 → $309,699 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 47.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 3.5% less than Elgin at the median — $88,316 → $53,403 on 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 Illinois 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.
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 — 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 much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 6.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Elgin 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 763 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 49.0°F in Elgin (4.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 39.9 in.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 39.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Elgin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 3.5% lower than Elgin (99.968 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Allentown, PA from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 763 mi and the route typically takes 14h 27m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 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 Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Allentown, PA.