Planning a 983 mile interstate move from Alabama to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs milder summer climate), food & health (like BBQ Ribs vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (antebellum and craftsman vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to BBQ Ribs and Pulled Pork, but get your taste buds ready
for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
Pennsylvania housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Alabama
Rent in Pennsylvania is 0.67% more expensive than in Alabama
Moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
Best moving company overall for Alabama to Pennsylvania
9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC
9.51/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
MoveDaddy
9.39/10
Exceptional
Alabama to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania
ConsAlabama
Hot summers
Hurricanes
Limited public transport
ProsPennsylvania
Milder summer climate
Less severe weather
Better public transit
Pennsylvania
Fewer Southern food spots
Busier lifestyle
Higher cost of living
Alabama
Southern cuisine
Friendly locals
Low cost of living
Pros of moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania
Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a milder summer climate
Look forward to moving away from hurricanes and moving to Pennsylvania with less severe weather
Swap the limited public transport of Alabama for better public transit in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania
Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Southern cuisine in Alabama to live with fewer Southern food spots in Pennsylvania
You'll lose out on the pro of friendly locals and have to settle for the con of a busier lifestyle
Time to bid farewell to the low cost of living and get used to the higher cost of living in Pennsylvania
Alabama vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Most iconic local food item
BBQ Ribs
Philly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dish
Pulled Pork
Pork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food item
Fried Green Tomatoes
Soft Pretzel
Most popular vegan food
Okra Gumbo
Mushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Saw's Soul Kitchen
Highlands Bar and Grill
Post Office Pies
Pat's King of Steaks
Geno's Steaks
Reading Terminal Market
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ
πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks
ππππππππππ
ππππππππππ
Foodie Scene
π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄
π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄
Vegan Friendly
π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±
π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±
If you're moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Alabama for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork and sumptuous Fried Green Tomatoes, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's Soul Kitchen, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Post Office Pies. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania, compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Pennsylvania
The Antebellum and Craftsman architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic charm and accessibility.
Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Alabama.
Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
Pennsylvania housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Alabamaβs $226,045.
Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
Rent in Pennsylvania is 0.67% more expensive than in Alabama.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Pennsylvania
The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania.
Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees colder than in Alabama.
The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 16 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 16 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Pennsylvania
Comparison
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Avg. Household Income
$59,674
$71,798
Cost of Living Index
91.2
99.7
State Income Tax
5%
3.07%
Avg. Property Tax
0.41%
1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax
9%
6%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Higher
Moderate
Homelessness
Lower
Higher
When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 20% more than in Alabama
The COLI in Pennsylvania is 9% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 5% in AL
The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in Alabama
The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to higher in Alabama
In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Alabama and higher in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Political Make-up
Conservative
Moderately Liberal
Local Politics
Strong Republican Dominance
Diverse, with Democratic Strongholds
Religion
Primarily Protestant
Mixed, with a larger Catholic presence
Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal
Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as mixed with a larger Catholic presence
Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania
Comparison
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa Auburn University Auburn University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham
Pennsylvania State University University Park University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Temple University Philadelphia
Top 3 Elementary Schools
Liberty Park Elementary Vestavia Hills Mountain Brook Elementary Mountain Brook Vestavia Hills Elementary Vestavia Hills
Merion Elementary Merion Station Cynwyd Elementary Bala Cynwyd Shady Side Academy Pittsburgh
Top 3 Middle Schools
Pizitz Middle School Vestavia Hills Liberty Park Middle School Vestavia Hills Homewood Middle School Homewood
Abington Middle School Abington Strath Haven Middle School Wallingford Mount Nittany Middle School State College
Top 3 High School Schools
Vestavia Hills High School Vestavia Hills Mountain Brook High School Mountain Brook Homewood High School Homewood
Conestoga High School Berwyn Radnor High School Radnor Lower Merion High School Ardmore
Top 3 private high schools
Indian Springs School Indian Springs The Altamont School Birmingham Saint James School Montgomery
The Hill School Pottstown Germantown Friends School Philadelphia The Haverford School Haverford
Top 3 private K-12 schools
Indian Springs School Indian Springs Randolph School Huntsville Westminster School at Oak Mountain Birmingham
Friendsβ Central School Wynnewood Germantown Academy Fort Washington Shady Side Academy Pittsburgh
Top 3 School Districts
Vestavia Hills City Schools Mountain Brook City Schools Homewood City Schools
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School District
How Much Do Alabama to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 983 miles from Alabama to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
So you're looking for Movers w/ a truck to move from undefined, undefined to undefined, undefined on NaN/NaN/NaN.
Do we have that right?
Error. Invalid OTP. Please try again.
Success!
You are one step closer to an easier move. You will hear from a moving coordinator very soon!
Thank you!
Success!
Your move details have been sent. You should be hearing from the company shortly.
Success!
Your quote request has already been submitted.
Compare this quote with other recommended movers!
Hold on!
Your perfect moving match is just a few clicks away.
Join the 90,000+ who secured accurate and instant moving quotes with us last year. Secure your hassle-free, obligation-free quote now!
Welcome back!
Would you like to continue your saved quote or start a new one?
Saved Quote Details:
No quote details found
Saved Quote Details:
No quote details found
How A Disposable Email Works
A disposable email address lets you get moving quotes without revealing your real email. It self-destructs automatically in 30 days, unless you choose to extend or delete it sooner. That means no unwanted follow-upsβjust quotes from movers, on your terms. You're in control.