Moving from Allentown, PA to Madison, WI
The drive from Allentown, PA to Madison, WI runs 869 mi β about 16h 31m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
869 mi Β· 16h 31m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Madison and Allentown are close on the overall BEA RPP (99.968 vs 97.287); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Madison typical home at $423,767 is 2.7% above Allentown at $309,699 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 40.2" |
Climate cools by 5.9Β°F on the annual average β 53.1Β°F β 47.2Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.19 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 2.7% between Allentown and Madison (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Madison compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 36.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Madison, WI from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 869 mi and the route typically takes 16h 31m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 44.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 869 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Madison more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 2.7% lower than Allentown (97.287 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Madison, WI.