Moving from Knoxville, TN to Allentown, PA
Relocating 621 mi from Knoxville to Allentown is a 11h 39m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
621 mi Β· 11h 39m by car Β· TN β VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 78 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.0% above Knoxville β 92.569 β 99.968 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 8.0% under Knoxville β $369,216 β $309,699 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.72 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Tennessee 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 16.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 621 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Allentown more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 8.0% higher than Knoxville (99.968 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Allentown, PA from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 621 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 4.7% 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 Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Allentown, PA.