Moving from Lowell, MA to Allentown, PA
Moving from Lowell, MA to Allentown, PA covers 308 mi and about 6h 30m by car through 5 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
308 mi Β· 6h 30m by car Β· PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, I 95, PA 309 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 99.968, putting Allentown roughly 7.7% below Lowell on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Allentown: 7.7% below Lowell on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 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: LOWELL, MA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 7.7% below Lowell ($76,205 vs $53,403, ACS 5-year 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 far is Allentown, PA from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 6h 30m via I 78 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 308 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 35.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.7% lower than Lowell (99.968 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 29.9% lower 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Allentown, PA.