Moving from South Fulton, GA to Allentown, PA
It is 813 mi between South Fulton and Allentown — roughly 15h 37m 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.
813 mi · 15h 37m by car · PA → WV → VA → NC → SC → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → WV → VA → NC → SC → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 85, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Concord, Charlotte, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| South Fulton | 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 — 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 · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: South Fulton —, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | South Fulton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature drops 10.5°F moving to Allentown per 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: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 0.1% less than South Fulton at the median — $81,798 → $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 — 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-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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Allentown averages 33.1 in annually vs 2.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.5°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
What is the climate difference between South Fulton and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 63.6°F in South Fulton (10.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 50.4 in.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton 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 South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 0.1% lower than South Fulton (99.968 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton 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 813 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in South Fulton vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $81,798 in South Fulton — a 34.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 813 mi and the route typically takes 15h 37m via I 81 and I 85. 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 South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA · Allentown, PA.