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Alabama to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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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
  • Our top recommended Alabama to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Alabama to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Pennsylvania

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Hot summers
  • Hurricanes
  • Limited public transport
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder summer climate
  • Less severe weather
  • Better public transit

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Fewer Southern food spots
  • Busier lifestyle
  • Higher cost of living
Alabama iconAlabama
  • 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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishPulled PorkPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemFried Green TomatoesSoft Pretzel
Most popular vegan foodOkra GumboMushroom 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 ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum and CraftsmanColonial and Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, garagesHistoric charm, accessibility
  • 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 Alabama’s $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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesSnowstorms, Flooding
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 72Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)58"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2"38"
  • 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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$59,674$71,798
Cost of Living Index91.299.7
State Income Tax5%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.41%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax9%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHigherModerate
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • 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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Political Make-upConservativeModerately Liberal
Local PoliticsStrong Republican DominanceDiverse, with Democratic Strongholds
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantMixed, 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

ComparisonAlabamaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Alabama
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook)
Vestavia Hills Elementary East (Vestavia Hills)
Crestline Elementary (Mountain Brook)
Bradford Heights Elementary (Downingtown)
Whitemarsh Elementary (Conshohocken)
Franklin Elementary (Sewickley)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook)
Louis Pizitz Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Berwyn)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Top 3 High School SchoolsLoveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)
Vestavia Hills High School (Vestavia Hills)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Masterman Julia R Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Unionville High School (Kennett Square)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School (Birmingham)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Randolph School (Huntsville)
The Altamont School (Birmingham)
Springwood School (Lanett)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Top 3 School DistrictsMountain Brook City School District
Vestavia Hills City School District
Homewood City School District
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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,760300 ft3$5.87
1 Bedroom$2,617450 ft3$5.82
2 Bedrooms$4,324750 ft3$5.77
3 Bedrooms$6,2871100 ft3$5.72
4 Bedrooms$9,0651600 ft3$5.67
5+ Bedrooms$10,1091800 ft3$5.62

Top Alabama to Pennsylvania Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Alabama to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details