Massachusetts to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania

ConsMassachusetts

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Harsh winters
• Higher taxes
• Limited outdoor space

ProsPennsylvania

• More affordable housing
• Less crowded roads
• Milder winters
• Lower taxes
• More green areas

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Pennsylvania

• Fewer cultural events
• Fewer renowned universities
• Less immediate historical sites
• Fewer diverse restaurants
• Limited transit options

Massachusetts

• Cultural hub
• Top-notch colleges
• Rich history
• Vibrant dining scene
• Public transportation

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Pennsylvania with less crowded roads
• Swap the harsh winters of Massachusetts for milder winters in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for lower taxes in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural hub in Massachusetts to live with fewer cultural events in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of top-notch colleges and have to settle with the con of fewer renowned universities
• Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer immediate historical sites in Pennsylvania
• Swap the vibrant dining scene for fewer diverse restaurants

Massachusetts vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Roasted Cod and sumptuous Lobster Roll, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzel 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 Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Legal Sea Foods, and Neptune Oyster. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Zahav, Primanti Bros., and Reading Terminal Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Dutch, and Farmhouse architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transport and granite countertops, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like large backyards and historic details.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Pennsylvania is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
• Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 57% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior five years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 41.55% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in Pennsylvania.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 24% less than in Massachusetts
• The COLI in Pennsylvania is 18% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 5% in MA
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to wealthy in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is medium in Pennsylvania compared to low in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Massachusetts and noticeable in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Pennsylvania

• Massachusetts tends to lean solidly Democratic in its political climate with a large share of unenrolled voters and liberal policy preferences concentrated in Greater Boston and college towns.
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a battleground with close party competition, where Democrats are strong in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and Republicans are strong in rural and many exurban areas; the suburbs are mixed.
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as having higher overall religious adherence with a sizable Catholic population, a strong mainline and evangelical Protestant presence, and notable Amish and Mennonite communities in certain regions.
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having lower religious affiliation and attendance on average, with a notable Catholic population alongside many religiously unaffiliated individuals, as well as Jewish and mainline Protestant communities in metro areas.

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania

How Much Do Massachusetts to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 390 miles from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.