Moving from Greensboro, NC to Allentown, PA
The 470 mi from Greensboro to Allentown translate to about 9h 22m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
470 mi Β· 9h 22m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 220, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Greensboro | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Allentown is 7.6% higher than Greensboro, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Allentown is 7.6% above Greensboro ($309,699 vs $264,428 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Greensboro -0.1%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Greensboro | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.9" | 47.4" |
Climate cools by 6.7Β°F on the annual average β 59.8Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREENSBORO WTP, NC US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Greensboro | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 298,564 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $58,884 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.72 |
Income steps down 7.6%: $58,884 in Greensboro vs $53,403 in Allentown.
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 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
Is Allentown more expensive than Greensboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.6% higher than Greensboro (99.968 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Greensboro vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $58,884 in Greensboro β a 9.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Greensboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $42,730 in the Greensboro MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Greensboro to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 470 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 Greensboro, NC?
The driving distance is 470 mi and the route typically takes 9h 22m via I 81 and US 220. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Greensboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $264,428 in Greensboro β a 17.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Greensboro.
City profiles: Greensboro, NC Β· Allentown, PA.