Moving from Tacoma, WA to Allentown, PA
Moving from Tacoma, WA to Allentown, PA is a 2777 mi cross-country relocation β about 49h 38m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2777 mi Β· 49h 38m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β SD β MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Kent, Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tacoma | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Allentown is 10.0% cheaper than Tacoma overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Allentown is 10.0% below Tacoma β $493,840 vs $309,699 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tacoma -0.9%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tacoma | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 77Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.8" | 47.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Tacoma (53.7Β°F) and Allentown (53.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (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: TACOMA #1, WA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tacoma | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 220,482 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $83,857 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Allentown is 10.0% below Tacoma ($83,857 vs $53,403, 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 Washington 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Tacoma to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2777 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Tacoma?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $493,840 in Tacoma β a 37.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tacoma vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $83,857 in Tacoma β a 36.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Allentown, PA from Tacoma, WA?
The driving distance is 2777 mi and the route typically takes 49h 38m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Tacoma?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $65,260 in the Tacoma MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Allentown more expensive than Tacoma?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 10.0% lower than Tacoma (99.968 vs 111.133, 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 Tacoma.
City profiles: Tacoma, WA Β· Allentown, PA.