Montana to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 12, 2025

Planning a 1,925 mile interstate move from Montana to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Bison steak vs Philly cheesesteak), real estate & housing (rustic, log cabins vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Bison steak and Elk burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Philly cheesesteak & Pork and sauerkraut
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in Montana
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 5.29% more expensive than in Montana
- Moving from Montana to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
- Our top recommended Montana to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Montana to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Pennsylvania
- Harsh winters
- Isolated areas
- Limited job market
- Fewer cultural events
- Sparse population
- Milder climate
- Urban amenities
- Diverse job opportunities
- Rich cultural scene
- Vibrant communities
- Fewer open spaces
- Higher living expenses
- Heavier traffic
- More transient populations
- Limited outdoor space
- Natural landscapes
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic congestion
- Close-knit communities
- Outdoor recreation
Pros of moving from Montana to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from isolated areas and moving to Pennsylvania with urban amenities
- Swap the limited job market of Montana for diverse job opportunities in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Montana to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from natural landscapes in Montana to live with fewer open spaces in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living expenses
- Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to heavier traffic in Pennsylvania
- Swap close-knit communities for more transient populations
Montana vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Montana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Bison steak | Philly cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Elk burgers | Pork and sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Huckleberry hand pies | Soft pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Wild rice and lentil dishes | 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 Montana to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Bison steak of Montana for the equally delicious Philly cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk burgers and sumptuous Huckleberry hand pies, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and sauerkraut and Soft pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild rice and lentil dishes 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 Montana eateries like Bozeman Chophouse, HuHot Mongolian Grill, and Cattail Bakery. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Montana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania, compared to what you are used to in Montana. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Montana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Rustic, Log Cabins | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain Views, Acreage | Historic Details, Proximity to Amenities |
- The Rustic and Log Cabins architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and acreage, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Montana.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Montana.
- Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Montana.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Montanaβs $456,199.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 5.29% more expensive than in Montana.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Montana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Montana | 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 | Wildfires, snowstorms | Hurricanes, snowstorms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 45Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 28Β°F / 12Β°F | 40Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 15" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 88" | 38" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
- Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Montana.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees warmer than in Montana.
- The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Montana.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 27 more inches of rain compared to Montana.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Montana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,631 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 6.9% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.83% | 1.58% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Mining, Agriculture, Tourism | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate-High |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Minimal | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 6% more than in Montana
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in Montana
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 6.9% in MT
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate-high compared to moderate in Montana
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in Montana
- In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Montana and noticeable in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Montana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Swing State |
Local Politics | Emphasis on local governance and environmental policies | Strong union presence, diverse local political interests |
Religion | Christianity predominant, with a notable presence of non-religious individuals | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities including Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist |
- Montana 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 predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities including Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist
- Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a notable presence of non-religious individuals
Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Montana | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Montana Montana State University Montana Tech | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman) Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula) Chief Joseph Elementary (Great Falls) | Conestoga School (Berwyn) Whitemarsh Elementary (Conshohocken) Fox Chapel Elementary (Pittsburgh) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman) East Middle School (Great Falls) Lewis & Clark Middle School (Billings) | Radnor Middle School (Wayne) Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth) Julia R. Masterman School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 High Schools | Bozeman High School (Bozeman) Hellgate High School (Missoula) Billings Senior High (Billings) | Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn) Julia R. Masterman School (Philadelphia) North Allegheny High School (Wexford) |
Top 3 private high schools | Carroll College High School (Helena) Missoula Catholic High (Missoula) Great Falls Central Catholic High (Great Falls) | The Haverford School (Haverford) Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Petra Academy (Bozeman) Missoula International School (Missoula) Valley Christian School (Missoula) | The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr) |
Top 3 School Districts | Bozeman Public Schools Billings Public Schools Missoula County Public Schools | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School District |
How Much Do Montana to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 1,925 miles from Montana to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
- 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 | $2,294 | 300 ft3 | $7.65 |
1 Bedroom | $3,418 | 450 ft3 | $7.60 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,660 | 750 ft3 | $7.55 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,246 | 1100 ft3 | $7.50 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,914 | 1600 ft3 | $7.45 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,313 | 1800 ft3 | $7.40 |
Top Montana to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Montana to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Montana to Pennsylvania