Moving from Allentown, PA to Springfield, MA

Moving from Allentown, PA to Springfield, MA covers 234 mi and about 4h 60m by car through 5 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β€” the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.

234 mi Β· 4h 60m by car Β· MA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ NJ β†’ PA

COL -3.9% Home values -4.9% Ξ” -3.7Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
234 mi
Drive time
4h 60m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
9 gal
Route throughMA β†’ CT β†’ NY β†’ NJ β†’ PA
Primary highwaysI 78, I 95, I 91
Major cities en routeHartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

AllentownSpringfieldU.S. avg
All items (RPP)99.96896.061100.0
Rents107.591154.996100.0
Goods100.56997.015100.0
Services105.5275.781100.0

Overall cost of living in Springfield and Allentown is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β€” plan your budget on category-level differences instead.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Allentown β€” typical home
$309,699
Springfield β€” typical home
$294,613
Allentown β€” typical rent
$1,734/mo
Springfield β€” typical rent
$1,722/mo

Typical home values in Allentown and Springfield are within 5% of each other ($309,699 vs $294,613 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).

YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Springfield +3.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsAllentownSpringfield
Annual avg temperature53Β°F49Β°F
January avg low22Β°F16Β°F
July avg high86Β°F85Β°F
Annual snowfall33.1"β€”
Annual precipitation47.4"45.2"

Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1Β°F) and Springfield (49.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023AllentownSpringfield
Population125,320154,751
Median household income$53,403$51,339
Median age32.433.7
Bachelor's degree or higher13.9%10.8%
Avg household size2.722.67

Median household incomes in Allentown ($53,403) and Springfield ($51,339) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Allentown MSA β€” median wage
$46,940
Springfield MSA β€” median wage
β€”
Allentown MSA β€” employment
368,680
Springfield MSA β€” employment
β€”

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts

Pennsylvania income tax
3.07% top marginal
Massachusetts income tax
9% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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 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

  • Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β€” check 511NY.
  • 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

When is the best time to move from Allentown to Springfield?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 234 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How does household income compare in Allentown vs Springfield?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,339 in Springfield vs $53,403 in Allentown β€” a 3.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Springfield, MA from Allentown, PA?

The driving distance is 234 mi and the route typically takes 4h 60m via I 78 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Springfield more expensive than Allentown?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.9% lower than Allentown (96.061 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Allentown?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,613 in Springfield vs $309,699 in Allentown β€” a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.

City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Springfield, MA.