Moving from Allentown, PA to Rochester, MN
It is 1071 mi between Allentown and Rochester — roughly 19h 59m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1071 mi · 19h 59m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.1% moving from Allentown to Rochester — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Rochester run about 9.1% pricier — ZHVI $309,699 → $339,455 (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 34.7" |
Annual temperature drops 8.3°F moving to Rochester per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rochester sees 53.1 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, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.4 |
Rochester households earn about 9.1% more than Allentown at the median — $53,403 → $87,767 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1071 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Rochester, MN from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1071 mi and the route typically takes 19h 59m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 64.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 53.1°F in Allentown (8.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 in vs 47.4 in.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 9.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rochester more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 9.1% lower than Allentown (90.821 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 · Rochester, MN.