Moving from New Orleans, LA to Allentown, PA
Relocating 1207 mi from New Orleans to Allentown is a 22h 22m drive through 8 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.
1207 mi · 22h 22m by car · LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | LA → MS → AL → GA → TN → VA → WV → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Chattanooga, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown runs about 8.0% more expensive overall than New Orleans — RPP 92.597 → 99.968.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $242,493 in New Orleans to $309,699 in Allentown, a 8.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New Orleans | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperature drops 17.8°F — 70.9°F in New Orleans vs 53.1°F in Allentown, 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: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.72 |
Household income lines up — $55,339 vs $53,403 on ACS 5-year 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 Louisiana 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
- 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Allentown averages 33.1 in annually vs 0.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.8°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
Is Allentown more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 8.0% higher than New Orleans (99.968 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $242,493 in New Orleans — a 27.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Allentown, PA from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 1207 mi and the route typically takes 22h 22m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans 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 1207 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $55,339 in New Orleans — a 3.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between New Orleans and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 70.9°F in New Orleans (17.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 60.1 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA · Allentown, PA.