Moving from Allentown, PA to Springfield, MO
The drive from Allentown, PA to Springfield, MO runs 1081 mi β about 20h 39m 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.
1081 mi Β· 20h 39m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Dayton, Columbus, Pittsburgh |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 11.4% cheaper than Allentown overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 11.4% below Allentown β $309,699 vs $242,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Allentown | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 46.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1Β°F) and Springfield (56.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.13 |
Income steps down 11.4%: $53,403 in Allentown vs $45,984 in Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- 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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 11.4% lower than Allentown (88.585 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $53,403 in Allentown β a 13.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 1081 mi and the route typically takes 20h 39m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $309,699 in Allentown β a 21.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1081 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA Β· Springfield, MO.