Alabama to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

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
- Hot summers
- Hurricanes
- Limited public transport
- Milder summer climate
- Less severe weather
- Better public transit
- Fewer Southern food spots
- Busier lifestyle
- Higher cost of living
- 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 |
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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
Comparison | Alabama | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum and Craftsman | Colonial and Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, garages | Historic 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 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
Comparison | Alabama | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Flooding |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 72Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 57Β°F / 36Β°F | 40Β°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
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 Auburn University University of South Alabama | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mountain 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 Schools | Mountain 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 Schools | Loveless 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 schools | The 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 schools | The 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 Districts | Mountain 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,760 | 300 ft3 | $5.87 |
1 Bedroom | $2,617 | 450 ft3 | $5.82 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,324 | 750 ft3 | $5.77 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,287 | 1100 ft3 | $5.72 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,065 | 1600 ft3 | $5.67 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,109 | 1800 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.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Alabama to Pennsylvania