Moving from Syracuse, NY to Allentown, PA
Relocating between Syracuse, NY and Allentown, PA is a 205 mi drive — 4h 7m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
205 mi · 4h 7m by car · NY → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 476, PATP |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Syracuse and Allentown sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $210,251 in Syracuse to $309,699 in Allentown, a 4.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 47.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.5°F vs 53.1°F 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: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.72 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.4% higher in Allentown than Syracuse.
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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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 — 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 Syracuse vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 16.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (4.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 39.9 in.
How far is Allentown, PA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 205 mi and the route typically takes 4h 7m via I 81 and I 476. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 47.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse 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 205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Allentown more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 4.4% higher than Syracuse (99.968 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Allentown, PA.