Moving from Brockton, MA to Allentown, PA
Relocating between Brockton, MA and Allentown, PA is a 304 mi drive — 6h 32m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
304 mi · 6h 32m by car · PA → NJ → NY → CT → RI → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NJ → NY → CT → RI → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 78, PA 309 |
| Major cities en route | Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.7% moving from Brockton to Allentown — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $503,833 in Brockton to $309,699 in Allentown, a 7.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Brockton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 51.4°F vs 53.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Allentown sees 33.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.7% — $77,089 → $53,403 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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 far is Allentown, PA from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 304 mi and the route typically takes 6h 32m via I 95 and I 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Brockton vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $77,089 in Brockton — a 30.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.7% lower than Brockton (99.968 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Brockton 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 304 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Brockton and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 51.4°F in Brockton (1.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 34.3 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 50.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $503,833 in Brockton — a 38.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA · Allentown, PA.