Moving from Rochester, NY to Allentown, PA
Relocating between Rochester, NY and Allentown, PA is a 273 mi drive — 5h 48m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
273 mi · 5h 48m by car · NY → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 476, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Syracuse |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.035 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.213 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.481 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Rochester and Allentown sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $235,784 in Rochester to $309,699 in Allentown, a 3.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.0%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 102.0" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.5°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: ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $46,628 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.0% higher in Allentown than Rochester.
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 does household income compare in Rochester vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $46,628 in Rochester — a 14.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Rochester, NY?
The driving distance is 273 mi and the route typically takes 5h 48m via I 81 and I 476. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $235,784 in Rochester — a 31.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Rochester 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 273 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 49.5°F in Rochester (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 102.0 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 35.1 in.
Is Allentown more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 3.0% higher than Rochester (99.968 vs 97.035, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $48,500 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 493,220 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, NY · Allentown, PA.