Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Allentown, PA
It is 788 mi between Sandy Springs and Allentown β roughly 15h 4m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 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.
788 mi Β· 15h 4m by car Β· PA β MD β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β MD β WV β VA β NC β SC β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 85, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Concord, Charlotte, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sandy Springs | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.058 vs 99.968 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $691,063 to $309,699 moving to Allentown.
YoY change: Sandy Springs +2.8%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sandy Springs | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature drops 8.4Β°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: ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sandy Springs | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,198 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $101,593 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.8% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 0.1% less than Sandy Springs at the median β $101,593 β $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 Georgia 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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 the job market in Allentown compare to Sandy Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allentown more expensive than Sandy Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 0.1% lower than Sandy Springs (99.968 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Sandy Springs vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs β a 47.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Sandy Springs, GA?
The driving distance is 788 mi and the route typically takes 15h 4m via I 81 and I 85. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Sandy Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $691,063 in Sandy Springs β a 55.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sandy Springs to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 788 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Sandy Springs.
City profiles: Sandy Springs, GA Β· Allentown, PA.