Missouri to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

Planning a 901 mile interstate move from Missouri to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs milder summers), food & health (like St. Louis-style pizza vs Philly cheesesteak), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to St. Louis-style pizza and Smoked brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Philly cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style steak
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 7% more expensive than they are in Missouri
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 11.18% more expensive than in Missouri
- Moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Missouri to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Missouri to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania
- Hot summers
- Tornadoes
- Limited public transport
- Smaller cities
- Milder summers
- Fewer tornadoes
- Extensive transit options
- Larger urban areas
- Higher cost of living
- Adjust to new culture
- Toll roads present
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Affordable housing
- Familiar environment
- No toll roads
- Laid-back lifestyle
Pros of moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to milder summers
- Look forward to moving away from tornadoes and moving to Pennsylvania with fewer tornadoes
- Swap the limited public transport of Missouri for extensive transit options in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for larger urban areas in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Missouri to live with a higher cost of living in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar environment and have to settle with the con of adjusting to a new culture
- Time to bid farewell to no toll roads and get used to the toll roads present in Pennsylvania
- Swap a laid-back lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle
Missouri vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | St. Louis-style pizza | Philly cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Smoked brisket | Pittsburgh-style steak |
Most popular street food item | Toasted ravioli | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Mushroom Philly |
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 Missouri to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis-style pizza of Missouri for the equally delicious Philly cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful smoked brisket and sumptuous toasted ravioli, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style steak and pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the mushroom Philly of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, and Imo's Pizza. 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, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Missouri. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Missouri. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large backyards, open floor plans | Hardwood floors, proximity to public transit |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and open floor plans, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and proximity to public transit.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Missouri.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Missouri.
- Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Missouri.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 7% more expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Missouriβs $243,216.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 11.18% more expensive than in Missouri.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Missouri and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Missouri | 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 | Tornadoes, Floods | Blizzards, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 89/67 | 85/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 40/23 | 37/20 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 41 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 18 | 38 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Missouri to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Missouri.
- Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Missouri.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in Pennsylvania.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 4 degrees colder than Missouri.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Missouri.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 1 fewer inch of rain compared to Missouri.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $64,811 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.8 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | Up to 5.4% | Flat rate of 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.93% | 1.58% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.29% | 6.34% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Real Estate | Education, Trade, Healthcare |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 11% more than in Missouri
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Missouri
- The state income tax in PA is a flat rate of 3.07% compared to up to 5.4% in MO
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is high compared to moderate in Missouri
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Missouri
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Missouri and moderate in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Swing State |
Local Politics | Conservative in rural areas | Conservative in rural areas, liberal in urban |
Religion | Christian majority | Christian majority |
- Missouri tends to lean Republican in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority
- Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority
Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Missouri | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Missouri Missouri State University Washington University in St. Louis | Pennsylvania State University University of Pennsylvania Temple University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | W.W. Keysor Elementary School (Kirkwood) Mason Ridge Elementary School (Town and Country) Henry Elementary School (Ballwin) | Murrysville Elementary School (Murrysville) Hillside Elementary School (New Cumberland) Bradford Heights Elementary School (Downingtown) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Ladue Middle School (Ladue) Pattonville Heights Middle School (Maryland Heights) South Middle School (Parkway) | Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Berwyn) Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth) |
Top 3 High Schools | Clayton High School (Clayton) Ladue Horton Watkins High School (Ladue) Parkway West High School (Ballwin) | Conestoga High School (Berwyn) North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford) Central High School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private high schools | John Burroughs School (St. Louis) St. Louis Priory School (St. Louis) Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (St. Louis) | The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) The Haverford School (Haverford) Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City) Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis) Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis) | Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (Bryn Mawr) The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 School Districts | Kirkwood School District Parkway School District Ladue School District | Radnor Township School District Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Lower Merion School District |
How Much Do Missouri to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 901 miles from Missouri to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6.5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,713 | 300 ft3 | $5.71 |
1 Bedroom | $2,547 | 450 ft3 | $5.66 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,208 | 750 ft3 | $5.61 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,117 | 1100 ft3 | $5.56 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,818 | 1600 ft3 | $5.51 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,830 | 1800 ft3 | $5.46 |
Top Missouri to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Missouri to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Missouri to Pennsylvania