Maryland to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a 199 mile interstate move from Maryland to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maryland vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Blue Crab vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maryland), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Blue Crab and Crab Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style Steak
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 37% less expensive than they are in Maryland
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 20.46% more affordable than in Maryland
- Moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
- Our top recommended Maryland to Pennsylvania movers is AT Movers
Maryland to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania
- High taxes
- Heavy traffic
- High cost of living
- Intense summers
- Dense population
- Lower taxes
- Less congestion
- More affordable housing
- Milder climate
- More open spaces
- Further from metro areas
- Less diverse
- Less coastal cuisine
- Different historical focus
- Proximity to D.C.
- Cultural diversity
- Seafood cuisine
- Rich in history
Pros of moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
- Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Pennsylvania with less congestion
- Swap the high cost of living in Maryland for more affordable housing in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for a milder climate in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from proximity to D.C. in Maryland to live further from metro areas in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of being less diverse
- Time to bid farewell to seafood cuisine and get used to less coastal cuisine in Pennsylvania
- Swap being rich in history for a different historical focus
Maryland vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Blue Crab | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Crab Cakes | Pittsburgh-style Steak |
Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Seitan 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 Maryland to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Blue Crab of Maryland for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Maryland rave about their flavorful Crab Cakes and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style Steak 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 Seitan Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maryland eateries like Woodberry Kitchen, Bertha's Mussels, and The Prime Rib. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Zahav, Pizzeria Beddia, and Di Bruno Bros.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Maryland. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Maryland. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maryland and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Waterfront, Proximity to DC | Historical landmarks, Proximity to nature |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Maryland is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Maryland's real estate listings that commonly reference waterfront and proximity to DC, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historical landmarks and proximity to nature.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Pennsylvania is less walkable than Maryland.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than Maryland.
- Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than Maryland.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 37% less expensive than they are in Maryland, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Marylandβs $414,972.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 33% increase in Maryland.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 20.46% more affordable than in Maryland.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Maryland and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Maryland | 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, Flooding | Snowstorms, Flooding |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87Β°F / 66Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 43Β°F / 29Β°F | 37Β°F / 23Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 44" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 20.6" | 38" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Maryland to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 16% fewer sunshine days than Maryland.
- Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Maryland.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in Maryland, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania.
- The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 2 degrees colder than in Maryland.
- The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Maryland.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Maryland.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Maryland and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,991 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 124.95 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 4.75% - 5.75% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.1% | 1.5% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Biohealth, IT, Aerospace | Manufacturing, Finance, Agriculture |
Affluence | Prosperous | Stable |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Manageable | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 24% less than in Maryland
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 20% lower than what you are used to living in Maryland
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.75% - 5.75% in MD
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is stable compared to prosperous in Maryland
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Maryland
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Maryland and noticeable in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Maryland vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic-leaning | Mixed, with both Democratic and Republican areas |
Local Politics | Strong focus on urban and environmental issues | Varies significantly between urban and rural areas |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Christianity predominant, with significant Catholic and Protestant presence |
- Maryland tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with both Democratic and Republican areas
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a significant Catholic and Protestant presence
- Maryland's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Maryland to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Maryland Johns Hopkins University Towson University | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Fulton Elementary (Fulton) Cold Spring Elementary (Potomac) Stone Mill Elementary (North Potomac) | Adlai E. Stevenson Elementary (Bensalem) Brandywine Wallace Elementary (Downingtown) Wayne Elementary (Wayne) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Thomas W. Pyle Middle School (Bethesda) Herbert Hoover Middle School (Potomac) Burleigh Manor Middle School (Ellicott City) | Valley Forge Middle School (Wayne) Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square) Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda) Poolesville High School (Poolesville) Winston Churchill High School (Potomac) | Conestoga High School (Berwyn) Harriton High School (Bryn Mawr) Lower Merion High School (Ardmore) |
Top 3 private high schools | Gilman School (Baltimore) Holton-Arms School (Bethesda) McDonogh School (Owings Mills) | The Haverford School (Haverford) Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Friends School of Baltimore (Baltimore) Severn School (Severna Park) Park School of Baltimore (Baltimore) | Gerstell Academy (Finksburg) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr) |
Top 3 School Districts | Howard County Public Schools Montgomery County Public Schools Frederick County Public Schools | Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Lower Merion School District Radnor Township School District |
How Much Do Maryland to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 199 miles from Maryland 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.
- Expected Range: $1,500 - $4,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: AT Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,118 | 300 ft3 | $3.73 |
1 Bedroom | $1,658 | 450 ft3 | $3.68 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,731 | 750 ft3 | $3.64 |
3 Bedrooms | $3,959 | 1100 ft3 | $3.60 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,691 | 1600 ft3 | $3.56 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,326 | 1800 ft3 | $3.51 |
Top Maryland to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Maryland to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.