Moving from Allentown, PA to Kent, WA
A 2760 mi cross-country move between Allentown and Kent is 49h 19m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 11 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2760 mi Β· 49h 19m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β WY β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β WY β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, Bellevue, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Kent | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.2% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $656,314 moving to Kent.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Kent -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 78Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 40.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1Β°F) and Kent (53.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, KENT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Kent |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 135,015 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $90,416 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 21.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.89 |
Kent households earn about 11.2% more than Allentown at the median β $53,403 β $90,416 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kent MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Kent?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2760 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Kent compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $656,314 in Kent vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 111.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kent, WA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 2760 mi and the route typically takes 49h 19m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Kent?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,416 in Kent vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 69.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Kent more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kent is 11.2% higher than Allentown (111.133 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Kent compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Kent MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 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 Β· Kent, WA.