Louisiana to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 18, 2025

Planning a 1,303 mile interstate move from Louisiana to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Louisiana vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Gumbo vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (french colonial, creole vs colonial, dutch colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Gumbo and Jambalaya, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in Louisiana
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.75% more expensive than in Louisiana
- Moving from Louisiana to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
- Our top recommended Louisiana to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Louisiana to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Louisiana to Pennsylvania
- High humidity
- Hurricane risk
- Limited public transport
- Fewer job opportunities
- Low public education
- Milder climate
- Minimal natural disasters
- Effective public transit
- Diverse economy
- Strong public schools
- Less cultural diversity
- Lack of southern flavors
- Snowy winters
- Quieter nightlife
- Fewer cultural events
- Rich culture
- Cajun cuisine
- Historic architecture
- Music scene
- Festivals and events
Pros of moving from Louisiana to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Pennsylvania with minimal natural disasters
- Swap the limited public transport of Louisiana for effective public transit in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for a diverse economy in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Louisiana to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich culture in Louisiana to live with less cultural diversity in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of Cajun cuisine and have to settle for the con of lack of southern flavors
- Time to bid farewell to historic architecture and get used to snowy winters in Pennsylvania
- Swap the music scene for a quieter nightlife
Louisiana vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Gumbo | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Jambalaya | Pork and Sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Po'boy | 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 Louisiana to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Gumbo of Louisiana for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Louisiana rave about their flavorful Jambalaya and sumptuous Po'boy, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and 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 Louisiana eateries like Commander's Palace, Acme Oyster House, and Willie Mae's Scotch House. 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 a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Louisiana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Louisiana. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Louisiana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | French Colonial, Creole | Colonial, Dutch Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, patios | Hardwood floors, historical features |
- The French Colonial and Creole architecture that Louisiana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Louisiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and patios, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and historical features.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Louisiana.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Louisiana.
- Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Louisiana.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 31% more expensive than they are in Louisiana, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Louisianaβs $199,091.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 13% increase in Louisiana.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.75% more expensive than in Louisiana.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Louisiana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Louisiana | 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, Floods | Snowstorms, Floods |
Air Quality | Variable | Generally Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 91Β°F / 73Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 62Β°F / 42Β°F | 37Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 60 | 42 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0.2 | 38 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Louisiana to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Louisiana.
- Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Louisiana.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Louisiana, 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 6 degrees colder than in Louisiana.
- The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 22 degrees colder than in Louisiana.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Louisiana.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Louisiana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,416 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 96 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 6% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.53% | 1.35% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.45% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Oil and Gas, Agriculture, Tourism | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Widespread | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less Prominent |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 30% more than those in Louisiana
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Louisiana
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 6% in LA
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is higher compared to moderate affluence in Louisiana
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to widespread poverty in Louisiana
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Louisiana and less prominent in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Louisiana vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Swing State |
Local Politics | Significant local variation | Diverse with urban areas leaning liberal |
Religion | Highly Religious, predominantly Christian | Moderately Religious, diverse affiliations |
- Louisiana tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as moderately Religious with diverse affiliations
- Louisiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly Religious and predominantly Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Louisiana to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Louisiana State University Tulane University University of Louisiana | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Lusher Charter School (New Orleans) Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (Baton Rouge) Lake Forest Elementary Charter School (New Orleans) | Adlai Stevenson Elementary School (Pittsburgh) Masterman Julia R Secondary School (Philadelphia) Conestoga Elementary School (Lancaster) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson) Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie) Thirwall Lower Elementary School (New Orleans) | Masterman Julia R Secondary School (Philadelphia) Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Hampton Middle School (Allison Park) |
Top 3 High Schools | Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans) Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies (Metairie) Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson) | Masterman Julia R Secondary School (Philadelphia) Conestoga High School (Berwyn) North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford) |
Top 3 private high schools | Isidore Newman School (New Orleans) Metairie Park Country Day School (Metairie) Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge) | The Haverford School (Haverford) The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Lake Castle Private School (New Orleans) Cedarwood School (Mandeville) Holy Savior Menard Central High School (Alexandria) | Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) The Kiski School (Saltsburg) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) |
Top 3 School Districts | Zachary Community School District Central Community School System Livingston Parish Public Schools | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School District |
How Much Do Louisiana to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 1,303 miles from Louisiana to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,941 | 300 ft3 | $6.47 |
1 Bedroom | $2,889 | 450 ft3 | $6.42 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,778 | 750 ft3 | $6.37 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,953 | 1100 ft3 | $6.32 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,033 | 1600 ft3 | $6.27 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,197 | 1800 ft3 | $6.22 |
Top Louisiana to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Louisiana to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Louisiana to Pennsylvania