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Pennsylvania to Alabama Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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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

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • High tax rates
  • High cost of living
ProsAlabama iconAlabama
  • Mild winters
  • Lower tax rates
  • Affordable housing

Alabama iconAlabama
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Hot summers
  • Limited cultural diversity
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakBBQ Pulled Pork
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh-style steakChicken and waffles
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelFried Green Tomatoes
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakBlack-Eyed Pea Hummus
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • 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 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, Craftsman
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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsLarge 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 Pennsylvania’s $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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
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 DisastersSnowstorms, FloodingHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6290/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)33/2057/36
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4256
Annual Snowfall (Inches)381
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
Avg. Household Income$71,798$59,674
Cost of Living Index99.791.2
State Income Tax3.072-5
Avg. Property Tax1.580.41
Avg. Sales Tax6.349.22
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, EducationManufacturing, Agriculture, Aerospace
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyAverageHigher
HomelessnessManageableNoticeable
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
Political Make-upSwing StateRepublican Dominant
Local PoliticsMixed urban and rural interestsConservative, with focus on agriculture and industry
ReligionChristianity (Catholic & Protestant), with religious diversity in urban areasPrimarily 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaAlabama
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 SchoolsAlbert 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 SchoolsMasterman 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 SchoolsJulia 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 schoolsThe 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsTredyffrin-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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,760300 ft3$5.87
1 Bedroom$2,618450 ft3$5.82
2 Bedrooms$4,326750 ft3$5.77
3 Bedrooms$6,2901100 ft3$5.72
4 Bedrooms$9,0681600 ft3$5.67
5+ Bedrooms$10,1121800 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.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Alabama

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

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details