Moving from Baltimore, MD to Allentown, PA
It is a 140 mi drive, roughly 3h 12m, between Baltimore, MD and Allentown, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
140 mi Β· 3h 12m by car Β· MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 222, I 83, US 30 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature drops 6.0Β°F moving to Allentown per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.72 |
Households in Allentown earn about 4.3% less at the median β 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 Maryland 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 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
- 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 β 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 far is Allentown, PA from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 140 mi and the route typically takes 3h 12m via US 222 and I 83. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 4.3% lower than Baltimore (99.968 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 10.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 140 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 64.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Allentown, PA.