Movers

Montana to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

Hero background image

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

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Harsh winters
  • Isolated areas
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Sparse population
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder climate
  • Urban amenities
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Vibrant communities

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Fewer open spaces
  • Higher living expenses
  • Heavier traffic
  • More transient populations
  • Limited outdoor space
Montana iconMontana
  • 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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemBison steakPhilly cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishElk burgersPork and sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemHuckleberry hand piesSoft pretzels
Most popular vegan foodWild rice and lentil dishesMushroom cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Bozeman Chophouse
  • HuHot Mongolian Grill
  • Cattail Bakery
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
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 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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRustic, Log CabinsColonial, 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 listingMountain Views, AcreageHistoric 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 Montana’s $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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
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 DisastersWildfires, snowstormsHurricanes, snowstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 45Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 12Β°F40Β°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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$67,631$71,798
Cost of Living Index99.499.7
State Income Tax6.9%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6%
Top 3 IndustriesMining, Agriculture, TourismManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate-High
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalNoticeable
  • 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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsEmphasis on local governance and environmental policiesStrong union presence, diverse local political interests
ReligionChristianity predominant, with a notable presence of non-religious individualsChristianity 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

ComparisonMontanaPennsylvania
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 SchoolsHawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula)
Chief Joseph Elementary (Great Falls)
Conestoga School (Berwyn)
Whitemarsh Elementary (Conshohocken)
Fox Chapel Elementary (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSacajawea 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 SchoolsBozeman 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 schoolsCarroll 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 schoolsPetra 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 DistrictsBozeman 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 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,294300 ft3$7.65
1 Bedroom$3,418450 ft3$7.60
2 Bedrooms$5,660750 ft3$7.55
3 Bedrooms$8,2461100 ft3$7.50
4 Bedrooms$11,9141600 ft3$7.45
5+ Bedrooms$13,3131800 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.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Montana to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10