Moving from High Point, NC to Allentown, PA
Relocating between High Point, NC and Allentown, PA is a 477 mi drive — 9h 29m 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.
477 mi · 9h 29m by car · PA → MD → WV → VA → NC
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → MD → WV → VA → NC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 220, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| High Point | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.865 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.065 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.519 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.6% above High Point — 92.865 → 99.968 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.6% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: High Point +0.3%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | High Point | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 47.4" |
Expect 8.0°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.1 in of snowfall annually at Allentown.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HIGH PT, NC US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | High Point | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,263 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $61,228 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 37.8 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.7% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.6% lower in Allentown than High Point.
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 North Carolina 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Allentown averages 33.1 in annually vs 1.9 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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
What is the climate difference between High Point and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 61.1°F in High Point (8.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 48.3 in.
When is the best time to move from High Point 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 477 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from High Point, NC?
The driving distance is 477 mi and the route typically takes 9h 29m via I 81 and US 220. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to High Point?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $42,730 in the High Point MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 356,380 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in High Point vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $61,228 in High Point — a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to High Point?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $249,821 in High Point — a 24.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than High Point?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 7.6% higher than High Point (99.968 vs 92.865, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from High Point.
City profiles: High Point, NC · Allentown, PA.