DC to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Pennsylvania

ConsDC

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• No state income tax
• Lack of open spaces

ProsPennsylvania

• Lower cost of living
• Smoother commutes
• State income tax
• Ample nature access

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Pennsylvania

• Less diversity
• Quieter evenings
• Fewer museums
• Less historical

DC

• Cultural diversity
• Vibrant nightlife
• Top-tier museums
• Rich in history

Pros of moving from DC to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Pennsylvania with smoother commutes
• Swap the no state income tax of DC for state income tax in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for ample nature access in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from DC to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in DC to live with less diversity in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter evenings
• Time to bid farewell to top-tier museums and get used to fewer museums in Pennsylvania
• Swap being rich in history for being less historical

DC vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce with chicken wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Scrapple and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Old Ebbitt Grill. 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, Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Pennsylvania

• The Row houses and Neoclassical architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Farmhouse architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro stations and hardwood floors, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and historical characteristics.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Pennsylvania is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 38.16% more affordable than in DC.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 12% fewer sunshine days than DC.
• Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes in DC, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and rare tornadoes in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 3 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 1.2 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 29% less than in DC
• The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 29% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 6% in DC
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in DC and less common in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Pennsylvania

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with Democratic strongholds in cities and Republican areas in rural regions
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as majority Christian, with a mix of Protestant, Catholic, and a growing non-religious population
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with significant numbers of Christians, non-religious individuals, and other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Pennsylvania

How Much Do DC to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 218 miles from DC to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.