Moving from Worcester, MA to Allentown, PA
It is a 267 mi drive, roughly 5h 39m, between Worcester, MA and Allentown, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
267 mi · 5h 39m by car · MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 78, I 95, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Allentown | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 99.968 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 107.591 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 100.569 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 105.52 | 100.0 |
Worcester 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 drops from $430,112 in Worcester to $309,699 in Allentown, a 2.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Allentown +3.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 33.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 47.4" |
Annual temperature rises 5.0°F moving to Allentown per NOAA 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: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Allentown |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 125,320 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $53,403 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 13.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.72 |
Allentown households earn about 2.5% less than Worcester at the median — $67,544 → $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 Massachusetts 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
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Allentown?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.1°F in Allentown vs 48.1°F in Worcester (5.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 33.1 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.4 in vs 48.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Allentown compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,699 in Allentown vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 28.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Allentown more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Allentown is 2.5% lower than Worcester (99.968 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Allentown, PA from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 267 mi and the route typically takes 5h 39m via I 78 and I 95. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Allentown?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,403 in Allentown vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 20.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 267 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Allentown, PA.