Moving from Elizabeth, NJ to Allentown, PA
Relocating between Elizabeth, NJ and Allentown, PA is a 81 mi drive — 1h 44m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
81 mi · 1h 44m by car · NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, PA 145, CR 623 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Newark, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elizabeth | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.2% cheaper overall in Allentown than Elizabeth on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.2% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Elizabeth +3.3%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elizabeth | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 31.5" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 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: NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elizabeth | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,887 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $63,874 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.8% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 11.2% lower in Allentown than Elizabeth.
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 New Jersey 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
Is Allentown more expensive than Elizabeth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 11.2% lower than Elizabeth (99.968 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Elizabeth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Elizabeth and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 55.5°F in Elizabeth (2.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 31.5 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 46.6 in.
How does household income compare in Elizabeth vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $63,874 in Elizabeth — a 16.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Elizabeth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $534,667 in Elizabeth — a 42.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Elizabeth, NJ?
The driving distance is 81 mi and the route typically takes 1h 44m via I 78 and PA 145. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Elizabeth 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 81 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elizabeth.
City profiles: Elizabeth, NJ · Allentown, PA.