Moving from Joliet, IL to Allentown, PA
Relocating 735 mi from Joliet to Allentown is a 13h 51m drive through 4 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.
735 mi · 13h 51m by car · IL → IN → OH → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 78 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Allentown sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Allentown run about 3.5% pricier — ZHVI $259,875 → $309,699 (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.4°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: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.5% — $88,026 → $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 Illinois 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 Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 3.5% lower than Joliet (99.968 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 50.4°F in Joliet (2.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 38.0 in.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 39.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 735 mi and the route typically takes 13h 51m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 19.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet 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 735 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Allentown, PA.