Moving from Cleveland, OH to Allentown, PA
The 391 mi from Cleveland to Allentown translate to about 7h 32m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
391 mi Β· 7h 32m by car Β· OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 78, PA 54 |
| Major cities en route | Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.923 in Cleveland to 99.968 in Allentown, a 6.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Allentown: 6.4% above Cleveland on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 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 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.72 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.4% between Cleveland 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 Ohio 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
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 391 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 168.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 391 mi and the route typically takes 7h 32m via I 80 and I 78. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Allentown more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 6.4% higher than Cleveland (99.968 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 36.3% 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 Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Allentown, PA.