Moving from New York, NY to Allentown, PA
The 97 mi from New York to Allentown translate to about 2h 10m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
97 mi · 2h 10m by car · NY → NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, NJTP, PA 145 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Jersey City, Newark, Elizabeth, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | 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 |
Overall prices in Allentown are 11.2% below New York — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Allentown typical home at $309,699 is 11.2% under New York at $812,861 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New York | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 55.5°F vs 53.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 38 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.2% between New York and Allentown (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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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 far is Allentown, PA from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 97 mi and the route typically takes 2h 10m via I 78 and NJTP. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $59,390 in the New York 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.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $812,861 in New York — a 61.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between New York and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 55.5°F in New York (2.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 24.5 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 47.1 in.
When is the best time to move from New York 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 97 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in New York vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $79,713 in New York — a 33.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 11.2% lower than New York (99.968 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY · Allentown, PA.