Moving from Peoria, IL to Allentown, PA
A move from Peoria, IL to Allentown, PA covers 834 mi and around 16h 5m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
834 mi · 16h 5m by car · PA → WV → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → WV → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Allentown is 9.6% higher than Peoria, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Allentown is 9.6% above Peoria — $128,838 vs $309,699 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7°F) and Allentown (53.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 9.6% below Peoria ($58,716 → $53,403, 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 Illinois 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in 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
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 52.7°F in Peoria (0.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 37.6 in.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 9.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 9.6% higher than Peoria (99.968 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Peoria 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 834 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 140.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 834 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Allentown, PA.