Moving from Montgomery, AL to Allentown, PA
It is 965 mi between Montgomery and Allentown β roughly 17h 59m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
965 mi Β· 17h 59m by car Β· AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β TN β VA β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, US 11, I 59 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $309,699 moving to Allentown.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature drops 14.8Β°F moving to Allentown per NOAA normals.
Allentown averages 33.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.72 |
Median household incomes in Montgomery ($55,687) and Allentown ($53,403) are within a few percent (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 Alabama 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 104.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 4.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Allentown more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 11.5% higher than Montgomery (99.968 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 965 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Allentown, PA from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 965 mi and the route typically takes 17h 59m via I 81 and US 11. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Allentown, PA.