Moving from Meridian, ID to Allentown, PA
A 2407 mi cross-country move between Meridian and Allentown is 42h 5m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 9 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2407 mi · 42h 5m by car · PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → OH → IN → IL → IA → NE → WY → UT → ID |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Meridian | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 98.391 vs 99.968 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.6% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $526,994 to $309,699 moving to Allentown.
YoY change: Meridian 0.0%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Meridian | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Meridian (53.2°F) and Allentown (53.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Meridian | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,865 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $98,686 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.3% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 1.6% less than Meridian at the median — $98,686 → $53,403 on 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 Idaho 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during 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
How does household income compare in Meridian vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $98,686 in Meridian — a 45.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Meridian?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $526,994 in Meridian — a 41.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Meridian and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 53.2°F in Meridian (0.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 11.5 in.
Is Allentown more expensive than Meridian?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 1.6% higher than Meridian (99.968 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Allentown, PA from Meridian, ID?
The driving distance is 2407 mi and the route typically takes 42h 5m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Meridian 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 2407 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Meridian?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $45,320 in the Meridian MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Meridian.
City profiles: Meridian, ID · Allentown, PA.