Moving from Des Moines, IA to Allentown, PA
Relocating 1038 mi from Des Moines to Allentown is a 19h 22m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1038 mi · 19h 22m by car · IA → IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown runs about 9.0% more expensive overall than Des Moines — RPP 91.701 → 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $309,699 in Allentown, a 9.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°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: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.0% lower in Allentown than Des Moines.
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 Iowa 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
Is Allentown more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 9.0% higher than Des Moines (99.968 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Allentown, PA from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 1038 mi and the route typically takes 19h 22m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 48.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 16.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (2.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 1038 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Allentown, PA.