Moving from Allentown, PA to Worcester, MA
It is a 267 mi drive, roughly 5h 39m, between Allentown, PA and Worcester, MA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
267 mi · 5h 39m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, I 95, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 99.968 vs 102.523 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $309,699 to $430,112 moving to Worcester.
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 48.3" |
Annual temperature drops 5.0°F moving to Worcester per NOAA normals.
Worcester averages 72.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.6 |
Worcester households earn about 2.6% more than Allentown at the median — $53,403 → $67,544 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts
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 — 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Worcester averages 72.9 in annually vs 33.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 267 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 53.1°F in Allentown (5.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 47.4 in.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 38.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Worcester more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 2.6% higher than Allentown (102.523 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 267 mi and the route typically takes 5h 39m via I 78 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 26.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Worcester, MA.