California to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Pennsylvania

ConsCalifornia

• High living costs
• High housing prices
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Long commute times
• High state taxes
• Frequent wildfires
• Drought restrictions
• Earthquake risk
• Crowded urban centers
• Car-dependent sprawl
• Higher gas prices
• High homeowners insurance
• Year-round fire season
• Expensive childcare

ProsPennsylvania

• Lower cost of living
• More affordable homes
• Lighter traffic overall
• Shorter commutes
• Lower flat income tax
• Minimal wildfire risk
• Ample water resources
• Low seismic risk
• Less crowded cities
• Walkable historic towns
• Generally cheaper gas
• Lower insurance rates
• Four-season climate
• Lower childcare costs

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Pennsylvania

• Colder snowy winters
• No ocean coastline
• Fewer tech headquarters
• Lower average salaries
• Shorter outdoor season
• Fewer iconic parks
• Less global cuisine
• Limited transit coverage
• Far from Hollywood
• More seasonal produce
• Less coastal scenery
• Fewer direct flights
• Smaller city options
• Fewer high-growth sectors

California

• Mild coastal climate
• Ocean beach access
• Top tech jobs
• High average wages
• Year-round outdoor fun
• Renowned national parks
• Extensive dining diversity
• Robust public transit
• Entertainment industry hub
• Fresh produce year-round
• Vast coastal scenery
• Major international airports
• Large urban amenities
• Cutting-edge industries

Pros of moving from California to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to a lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from high housing prices and moving to Pennsylvania with more affordable homes
• Swap the heavy traffic congestion of California for lighter traffic overall in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for shorter commutes in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from California to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a mild coastal climate in California to live with colder snowy winters in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of ocean beach access and have to settle for the con of no ocean coastline
• Time to bid farewell to top tech jobs and get used to fewer tech headquarters in Pennsylvania
• Swap high average wages for lower average salaries

California vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh Ham BBQ and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Soup of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Primanti Brothers, and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Pennsylvania

• The Modern and Spanish Revival architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and eco-friendly features, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and spacious yards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than California.
• Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than California.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 45.57% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 37% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as in California.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 22% less than in California
• The COLI in Pennsylvania is 27% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 9.3 in CA
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Pennsylvania

• California tends to lean Democratic majority in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as having a higher percentage of Christian affiliation
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more religiously unaffiliated

How Much Do California to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 2,735 miles from California to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.