Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Allentown, PA
The drive from Tuscaloosa, AL to Allentown, PA runs 932 mi β about 17h 25m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
932 mi Β· 17h 25m by car Β· PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Chattanooga, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tuscaloosa | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Allentown is 14.0% higher than Tuscaloosa, 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 14.0% above Tuscaloosa β $228,947 vs $309,699 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 47.4" |
Climate cools by 11.2Β°F on the annual average β 64.3Β°F β 53.1Β°F.
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: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.72 |
Income steps up 14.0%: $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $53,403 in Allentown.
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 Alabama 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 the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.2Β°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
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa β a 35.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 14.0% higher than Tuscaloosa (99.968 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Allentown compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,940 in the Allentown MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 368,680 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Allentown, PA from Tuscaloosa, AL?
The driving distance is 932 mi and the route typically takes 17h 25m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa β a 10.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Allentown?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 932 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 Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL Β· Allentown, PA.