Moving from Aurora, IL to Allentown, PA
A move from Aurora, IL to Allentown, PA covers 755 mi and around 14h 19m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
755 mi · 14h 19m by car · IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Aurora (103.595) and Allentown (99.968) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $316,958 vs $309,699 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora +2.9%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Aurora | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 27.9" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 47.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: AURORA, IL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 179,867 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $90,109 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.98 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 3.5% below Aurora ($90,109 vs $53,403, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Allentown MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 54,700 | $44,160 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,170 | $43,910 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,110 | $29,620 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 29,400 | $34,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 28,860 | $79,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Allentown averages 33.1 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $316,958 in Aurora — a 2.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Aurora and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 50.2°F in Aurora (2.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 27.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 39.5 in.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,790 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 755 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Aurora, IL?
The driving distance is 755 mi and the route typically takes 14h 19m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $90,109 in Aurora — a 40.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 3.5% lower than Aurora (99.968 vs 103.595, 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, IL · Allentown, PA.