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Arizona to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 2,161 mile interstate move from Arizona to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like scorching summers vs milder temperatures), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (ranch, pueblo revival vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style steak
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 22.46% more affordable than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,500
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Pennsylvania movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arizona to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Scorching summers
  • Limited green spaces
  • Water scarcity
  • Higher UV exposure
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder temperatures
  • Lush landscapes
  • Ample water resources
  • Lower UV exposure

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Cloudier weather
  • Few mountain ranges
  • Higher living costs
  • Less desert scenery
Arizona iconArizona
  • Sunshine year-round
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Lower cost of living
  • Desert beauty

Pros of moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to scorching summers and hello to milder temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited green spaces and moving to Pennsylvania with lush landscapes
  • Swap the water scarcity of Arizona for ample water resources in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for lower UV exposure in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunshine year-round in Arizona to live with cloudier weather in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse landscapes and have to settle for the con of few mountain ranges
  • Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to higher living costs in Pennsylvania
  • Swap desert beauty for less desert scenery

Arizona vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaPittsburgh-style steak
Most popular street food itemTacosPretzels
Most popular vegan foodSouthwestern Quinoa SaladMushroom Philly Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Durant's
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Zahav
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 Arizona to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style steak and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Southwestern Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Durant's. 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, Primanti Bros., and Zahav.

When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Pennsylvania

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Pueblo RevivalColonial, 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 listingSwimming pools, scenic viewsHardwood floors, historic details
  • The Ranch and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and scenic views, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Arizona.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 22.46% more affordable than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Pennsylvania

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
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 DisastersWildfires, HeatwavesSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F / 83Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F33Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1242
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0.338
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 40% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 21 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 26 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 30 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Pennsylvania

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$74,568$71,798
Cost of Living Index101.299.7
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.5%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.62%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax8.4%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Manufacturing, Health ServicesHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 4% less than in Arizona
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania is 1% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 2.59% - 4.5% in AZ
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in Arizona
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arizona and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
Political Make-upModerately conservative with a significant progressive minoritySwing state with a mix of conservative and liberal areas
Local PoliticsLocal government often leans Republican, urban areas more DemocraticDiverse local politics; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas are more Republican
ReligionChristianity predominant, but a growing number of non-religious residentsHistorically strong Christian influence, with a diverse religious landscape
  • Arizona tends to lean moderately conservative with a significant progressive minority in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of conservative and liberal areas
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as having a historically strong Christian influence and a diverse religious landscape
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, but with a growing number of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Pennsylvania

ComparisonArizonaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCherokee Elementary School (Scottsdale)
BASIS Chandler (Chandler)
Manzanita School (Phoenix)
Adlai Stevenson School (Pittsburgh)
Penn Alexander School (Philadelphia)
Bala Cynwyd School for Young Children (Bala Cynwyd)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsParagon Science Academy (Chandler)
BASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Kyrene Altadena Middle School (Phoenix)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Fort Couch Middle School (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 High SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Chaparral High School (Scottsdale)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford)
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsVeritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix)
Rancho Solano Preparatory School (Scottsdale)
Green Fields School (Tucson)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Lower Merion School District
Radnor Township School District

How Much Do Arizona to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 2,161 miles from Arizona to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,428300 ft3$8.09
1 Bedroom$3,619450 ft3$8.04
2 Bedrooms$5,994750 ft3$7.99
3 Bedrooms$8,7361100 ft3$7.94
4 Bedrooms$12,6271600 ft3$7.89
5+ Bedrooms$14,1161800 ft3$7.84

Top Arizona to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Pennsylvania

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details