Moving from Allentown, PA to Boise City, ID
Moving from Allentown, PA to Boise City, ID is a 2399 mi cross-country relocation — about 41h 58m of driving through 9 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2399 mi · 41h 58m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Boise City and Allentown are close on the overall BEA RPP (99.968 vs 98.391); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Boise City —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.1°F vs 53.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boise City sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.37 |
Median household income in Boise City is 1.6% above Allentown ($53,403 vs $81,308, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boise City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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: Boise City averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Boise City sees only 11.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Boise City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Boise City vs 53.1°F in Allentown (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 47.4 in.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 52.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Boise City more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 1.6% lower than Allentown (98.391 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2399 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Boise City compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Boise City, ID from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 2399 mi and the route typically takes 41h 58m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Boise City, ID.