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New Jersey to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 233 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs lower housing expenses), food & health (like Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs colonial, farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) and Italian Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh Salad (with steak)
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 39.47% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

New Jersey to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High living costs
  • Traffic congestion
  • Pollution
  • Limited space
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower housing expenses
  • Less crowded roads
  • Cleaner air
  • More open areas

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Further from NYC
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Quieter evenings
  • Fewer landmarks
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Close to NYC
  • Diverse culture
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Historic landmarks

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower housing expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Pennsylvania with less crowded roads
  • Swap the pollution of New Jersey for cleaner air in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for more open areas in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close to NYC in New Jersey to live further from NYC in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to quieter evenings in Pennsylvania
  • Swap historic landmarks for fewer landmarks

New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemPork Roll (Taylor Ham)Philly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogPittsburgh Salad (with steak)
Most popular street food itemSausage SandwichesSoft Pretzel
Most popular vegan foodVegetable PaniniMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Carlo's Bakery
  • White House Sub Shop
  • Don's 24-Hour Pork Roll
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
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 New Jersey to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) of New Jersey for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Sausage Sandwiches, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh Salad (with steak) and Soft Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Panini 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 New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, White House Sub Shop, and Don's 24-Hour Pork Roll. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Geno's Steaks.

When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New Jersey. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in New Jersey. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Pennsylvania

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianColonial, Farmhouse
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 listingClose to NYC, Upgraded KitchensHistoric Details, Spacious Yards
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Farmhouse architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and upgraded kitchens, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and spacious yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than New Jersey.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 39.47% more affordable than in New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Pennsylvania

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
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 DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersSnowstorms, Flooding
Air QualityModerateVaries by area
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6683/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2533/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4742
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2338
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 13% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Pennsylvania

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$96,346$71,798
Cost of Living Index129.799.7
State Income Tax1.4% - 10.75%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax2.42%1.35%
Avg. Sales Tax6.625%6%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, TechnologyManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 25% less than in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 23% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 1.4% to 10.75% in NJ
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsProgressive Urban AreasMix of Conservative and Progressive Areas
ReligionSignificant Catholic PresenceMix of Protestant and Catholic Majorities
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic 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 mix of Protestant and Catholic majorities
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a significant Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania

ComparisonNew JerseyPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
Princeton University
The College of New Jersey
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLittlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Princeton Charter School (Princeton)
Wandell School (Saddle River)
Bradford Heights Elementary School (Downingtown)
Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy (Norristown)
Whitemarsh Elementary School (Conshohocken)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThomas R. Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Community Middle School (Plainsboro)
William Annin Middle School (Basking Ridge)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Berwyn)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Top 3 High SchoolsHigh Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Masterman High School (Philadelphia)
North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford)
Top 3 Private High SchoolsThe Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Blair Academy (Blairstown)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg)
Top 3 Private K-12 SchoolsNewark Academy (Livingston)
Morristown-Beard School (Morristown)
Rutgers Preparatory School (Somerset)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr)
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
Summit Public Schools
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District

How Much Do New Jersey to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 233 miles from New Jersey 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 - $4,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,134300 ft3$3.78
1 Bedroom$1,682450 ft3$3.74
2 Bedrooms$2,772750 ft3$3.70
3 Bedrooms$4,0191100 ft3$3.65
4 Bedrooms$5,7781600 ft3$3.61
5+ Bedrooms$6,4241800 ft3$3.57

Top New Jersey to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details