Moving from Allentown, PA to Houston, TX
A 1543 mi cross-country move between Allentown and Houston is 28h 33m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1543 mi · 28h 33m by car · TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, League City, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 99.968 vs 98.629 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 1.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 71°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 44°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 54.1" |
Expect 17.5°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Houston gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.51 |
Households in Houston earn about 1.3% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Houston average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.5°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Houston?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.6°F in Houston vs 53.1°F in Allentown (17.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 54.1 in vs 47.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 14.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1543 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 17.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Houston, TX from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1543 mi and the route typically takes 28h 33m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Houston more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 1.3% lower than Allentown (98.629 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 368,680 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 Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Houston, TX.