New York to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 23, 2025

Planning a 277 mile interstate move from New York to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in New York vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs affordable housing), food & health (like Bagels vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (modern, high-rise vs colonial, dutch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Bagels and New York Strip Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in New York
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 40.61% more affordable than in New York
- Moving from New York to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,000
- Our top recommended New York to Pennsylvania movers is JP Urban Moving
New York to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Pennsylvania
- High living costs
- Traffic congestion
- Noisy environment
- Limited space
- Intense hustle and bustle
- Affordable housing
- Less crowded commutes
- Quieter surroundings
- More open spaces
- More relaxed pace
- Less cultural diversity
- Fewer global companies
- Limited train networks
- Fewer entertainment options
- Fewer city attractions
- Vibrant culture
- High-profile job market
- Extensive public transport
- Numerous amenities
- Iconic landmarks
Pros of moving from New York to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Pennsylvania with less crowded commutes
- Swap the noisy environment of New York for quieter surroundings in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for more open spaces in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from New York to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant culture in New York to live with less cultural diversity in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of a high-profile job market and have to settle with the con of fewer global companies
- Time to bid farewell to extensive public transport and get used to limited train networks in Pennsylvania
- Swap numerous amenities for fewer entertainment options
New York vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | New York | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Bagels | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | New York Strip Steak | Pork and Sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Pizza | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Mushroom Soup |
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 New York to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Bagels of New York for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful New York Strip Steak and sumptuous Pizza, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Soup of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Per Se, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. 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, Zahav, and Primanti Brothers.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than New York. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Pennsylvania, compared to what you are used to in New York. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Pennsylvania
Comparison | New York | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern, high-rise | Colonial, Dutch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to public transportation, luxury amenities | Yard space, historic charm |
- The modern and high-rise architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Dutch architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to public transportation and luxury amenities, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like yard space and historic charm.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Pennsylvania is less walkable than New York.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than New York.
- Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than New York.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to New Yorkβs $460,812.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 40.61% more affordable than in New York.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and Pennsylvania
Comparison | New York | 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 | Hurricanes, Blizzards | Floods, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderately Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β° / 66Β° | 85Β° / 62Β° |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 38Β° / 26Β° | 33Β° / 20Β° |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 49.9 | 42.0 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 25.8 | 38.1 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 20% fewer sunshine days than New York.
- Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in Pennsylvania.
- The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 3 degrees warmer than in New York.
- The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in New York.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 7.9 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.
Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Pennsylvania
Comparison | New York | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $79,557 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 102.8 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 6.85 | 3.07 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.4 | 1.5 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.52 | 6.34 |
Top 3 Industries | Finance, Healthcare, Media | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | High | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 10% less than those in New York
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in New York
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 6.85 in NY
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to high in New York
- The poverty level is low in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in New York
- In terms of homelessness, it is high in New York and low in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | New York | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Democratic majority | Often a swing state |
Local Politics | Progressive urban areas | Mix of rural conservative and urban liberal |
Religion | Diverse with a significant secular population | More traditional Christian denominations prevalent |
- New York 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 having more traditional Christian denominations prevalent
- New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant secular population
Education Guide When Moving from New York to Pennsylvania
Comparison | New York | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | New York University Columbia University Cornell University | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | PS 77 Lower Lab School (New York City) Success Academy Charter School (Bronx) Anderson School (New York City) | Adlai Stevenson Elementary School (Pittsburgh) Whitemarsh Elementary School (Conshohocken) Marshall Elementary School (Wexford) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | East Side Middle School (New York City) New Explorations into Science Technology and Math School (New York City) Anderson School (New York City) | Mastery Charter School Shoemaker Campus (Philadelphia) Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Marshall Middle School (Wexford) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn) Stuyvesant High School (New York City) Bronx High School of Science (Bronx) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Downingtown STEM Academy (Downingtown) Conestoga High School (Berwyn) |
Top 3 private high schools | Trinity School (New York City) Horace Mann School (Bronx) Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (New York City) | The Haverford School (Haverford) The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Chapin School (New York City) Brearley School (New York City) Collegiate School (New York City) | The Kiski School (Saltsburg) Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) George School (Newtown) |
Top 3 School Districts | Great Neck School District (Great Neck) Scarsdale Union Free School District (Scarsdale) Jericho Union Free School District (Jericho) | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Wayne) Radnor Township School District (Radnor) Lower Merion School District (Ardmore) |
How Much Do New York to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 277 miles from New York 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: 2-5.5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,156 | 300 ft3 | $3.85 |
1 Bedroom | $1,714 | 450 ft3 | $3.81 |
2 Bedrooms | $2,825 | 750 ft3 | $3.77 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,097 | 1100 ft3 | $3.72 |
4 Bedrooms | $5,891 | 1600 ft3 | $3.68 |
5+ Bedrooms | $6,551 | 1800 ft3 | $3.64 |
Top New York to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best New York to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

JP Urban Moving
Best moving company overall for New York to Pennsylvania