Pennsylvania to Alabama Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

Planning a 984 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Alabama? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Alabama across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs BBQ Pulled Pork), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh-style steak, but get your taste buds ready for BBQ Pulled Pork & Chicken and waffles
- Alabama housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
- Rent in Alabama is 0.66% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
- Moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Alabama movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Pennsylvania to Alabama Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama
- Harsh winters
- High tax rates
- High cost of living
- Mild winters
- Lower tax rates
- Affordable housing
- Fewer historical sites
- Hot summers
- Limited cultural diversity
- Rich history
- Varied seasons
- Abundant cultural activities
Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
- Look forward to moving away from high tax rates and moving to Alabama with lower tax rates
- Swap the high cost of living in Pennsylvania for affordable housing in Alabama
Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in Alabama
- You'll lose out on the pro of varied seasons and have to settle for the con of hot summers
- Time to bid farewell to abundant cultural activities and get used to limited cultural diversity in Alabama
Pennsylvania vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | BBQ Pulled Pork |
Most popular meat dish | Pittsburgh-style steak | Chicken and waffles |
Most popular street food item | Soft Pretzel | Fried Green Tomatoes |
Most popular vegan food | Mushroom Cheesesteak | Black-Eyed Pea Hummus |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
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 Pennsylvania to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious BBQ Pulled Pork of Alabama. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh-style steak and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Alabama residents know they have tasty Chicken and Waffles and Fried Green Tomatoes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-Eyed Pea Hummus of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw's BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and The Fish Market Restaurant.
When comparing lifestyles, Alabama shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Pennsylvania. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Alabama, compared to what you are used to in Pennsylvania. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Alabama.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Alabama
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Ranch, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Large yards, Storage space |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Alabama.
- Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and storage space.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
- Alabama has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
- Alabama housing costs are 13% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Pennsylvaniaβs $261,312.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
- Rent in Alabama is 0.66% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Pennsylvania and Alabama
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
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 | Snowstorms, Flooding | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 83/62 | 90/71 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 33/20 | 57/36 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 56 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 38 | 1 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Alabama gets 19% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
- Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 7 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
- The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Alabama
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $59,674 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 91.2 |
State Income Tax | 3.07 | 2-5 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.58 | 0.41 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34 | 9.22 |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Average | Higher |
Homelessness | Manageable | Noticeable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 17% less than those in Pennsylvania
- The COLI in Alabama is 9% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
- The state income tax in AL is 2-5% compared to 3.07% in PA
- The affluence in Alabama is modest compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
- The poverty level is higher in Alabama compared to average poverty in Pennsylvania
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Pennsylvania and noticeable in Alabama
Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Alabama
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing State | Republican Dominant |
Local Politics | Mixed urban and rural interests | Conservative, with focus on agriculture and industry |
Religion | Christianity (Catholic & Protestant), with religious diversity in urban areas | Primarily Evangelical Protestant, with strong religious participation |
- Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state in its political climate
- Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as Republican dominant
- Alabama's religious environment can be described as primarily Evangelical Protestant with strong religious participation
- Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity (Catholic & Protestant) with religious diversity in urban areas
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Alabama
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Alabama |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Penn State University of Pennsylvania Carnegie Mellon University | University of Alabama Auburn University University of Alabama at Birmingham |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Albert M. Greenfield Elementary Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh); Masterman Julia R Sec School Philadelphia; Downingtown STEM Academy Downingtown | Mountain Brook Elementary Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills Elementary West Vestavia Hills; Rock Quarry Elementary Tuscaloosa |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Masterman Julia R Sec School Philadelphia; Radnor Middle School Radnor; Haverford Middle School Havertown | Mountain Brook Junior High Mountain Brook; Liberty Park Middle School Vestavia Hills; Pizitz Middle School Vestavia Hills |
Top 3 High Schools | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia; Conestoga Senior High School Berwyn; Central High School Philadelphia | Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School Montgomery; Mountain Brook High School Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills High School Vestavia Hills |
Top 3 private high schools | The Haverford School Haverford; The Baldwin School Bryn Mawr; Shady Side Academy Pittsburgh | The Altamont School Birmingham; Indian Springs School Indian Springs; Randolph School Huntsville |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Shipley School Bryn Mawr; Friends' Central School Wynnewood; Germantown Friends School Philadelphia | The Montgomery Academy Montgomery; Springwood School Lanett; Faith Academy Mobile |
Top 3 School Districts | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Berwyn; Radnor Township School District Radnor; Lower Merion School District Ardmore | Mountain Brook City Schools Mountain Brook; Vestavia Hills City Schools Vestavia Hills; Homewood City School District Homewood |
How Much Do Pennsylvania to Alabama Movers Cost?
Moving 984 miles from Pennsylvania to Alabama will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 1-4 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,760 | 300 ft3 | $5.87 |
1 Bedroom | $2,618 | 450 ft3 | $5.82 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,326 | 750 ft3 | $5.77 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,290 | 1100 ft3 | $5.72 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,068 | 1600 ft3 | $5.67 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,112 | 1800 ft3 | $5.62 |
Top Pennsylvania to Alabama Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Pennsylvania to Alabama movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Alabama