Moving from Boise City, ID to Allentown, PA
Cross-country relocations like Boise City, ID → Allentown, PA cover 2399 mi and about 41h 58m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2399 mi · 41h 58m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Boise City (98.391) and Allentown (99.968) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 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: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.6% between Boise City and Allentown (ACS 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 Idaho 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
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 2399 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 2399 mi and the route typically takes 41h 58m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 1.6% higher than Boise City (99.968 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 53.2°F in Boise City (0.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 11.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Allentown, PA.