Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Allentown, PA
Relocating from Philadelphia, PA to Allentown, PA? The drive is 49 mi — about 1h 22m. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
49 mi · 1h 22m by car · PA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | PA 309, PA 145 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.5% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Philadelphia | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.5% lower in Allentown than Philadelphia.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Philadelphia and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 57.7°F in Philadelphia (4.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 16.1 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 50.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $231,815 in Philadelphia — a 33.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $60,698 in Philadelphia — a 12.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 49 mi and the route typically takes 1h 22m via PA 309 and PA 145. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 2.5% lower than Philadelphia (99.968 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia 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 49 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Philadelphia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 2,829,560 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 Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA · Allentown, PA.