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Missouri to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

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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 featured image

Top Missouri to Pennsylvania Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Missouri to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Missouri to Pennsylvania

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

9.63/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.51/10
Exceptional

Missouri to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Hot summers
  • Tornadoes
  • Limited public transport
  • Smaller cities
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder summers
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • Extensive transit options
  • Larger urban areas

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher cost of living
  • Adjust to new culture
  • Toll roads present
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Missouri iconMissouri
  • 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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis-style pizzaPhilly cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishSmoked brisketPittsburgh-style steak
Most popular street food itemToasted ravioliPretzels
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitMushroom Philly
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Imo's Pizza
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanColonial, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge backyards, open floor plansHardwood 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 Missouri’s $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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsBlizzards, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6785/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2337/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4241
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1838
  • 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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$64,811$71,798
Cost of Living Index91.899.7
State Income TaxUp to 5.4%Flat rate of 3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax8.29%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Real EstateEducation, Trade, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • 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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areasConservative in rural areas, liberal in urban
ReligionChristian majorityChristian 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

ComparisonMissouriPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri
Columbia; Missouri State University
Springfield; Washington University in St. Louis
Penn State University
State College; University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh; Temple University
Philadelphia
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsClayton Elementary School
Clayton; Ralph M. Captain Elementary
Clayton; Glenridge Elementary School
Clayton
Morton Elementary School
Bethel Park; Radnor Elementary School
Radnor; Barclay Elementary School
Warrington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLadue Middle School
Ladue; Clayton High School
Clayton; Wydown Middle School
Clayton
Haverford Middle School
Havertown; Mellon Middle School
Pittsburgh; Radnor Middle School
Radnor
Top 3 High SchoolsClayton High School
Clayton; Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Ladue; Rock Bridge High School
Columbia
Radnor High School
Radnor; Fox Chapel Area High School
Pittsburgh; Conestoga High School
Berwyn
Top 3 private high schoolsJohn Burroughs School
St. Louis; MICDS
St. Louis; Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City
The Haverford School
Haverford; Germantown Academy
Fort Washington; The Episcopal Academy
Newtown Square
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMICDS
St. Louis; Pembroke Hill School
Kansas City; Thomas Jefferson School
St. Louis
The Agnes Irwin School
Bryn Mawr; Germantown Academy
Fort Washington; The Shipley School
Bryn Mawr
Top 3 School DistrictsClayton School District
Clayton; Ladue School District
Ladue; Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Wayne; Radnor Township School District
Radnor; Lower Merion School District
Ardmore

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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,713300 ft3$5.71
1 Bedroom$2,547450 ft3$5.66
2 Bedrooms$4,208750 ft3$5.61
3 Bedrooms$6,1171100 ft3$5.56
4 Bedrooms$8,8181600 ft3$5.51
5+ Bedrooms$9,8301800 ft3$5.46