Pennsylvania to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to DC

ConsPennsylvania

• Colder, snowier winters
• State-run liquor stores
• Car-centric commuting
• Fewer free museums
• Limited policy networking
• Distance from agencies
• Fewer international NGOs
• Spread-out amenities
• Fewer federal internships
• Lower transit frequency
• No ocean coastline
• Early last call

ProsDC

• Milder winter climate
• Flexible alcohol sales
• Robust Metro system
• Abundant free museums
• Constant policy events
• Close to federal offices
• Global NGO presence
• Highly walkable core
• Many federal internships
• Frequent rail/bus
• Closer to beaches
• Later nightlife hours

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DC

• High rent prices
• Higher income tax
• Smaller apartments/houses
• Scarce parking spots
• Hot, humid summers
• Expensive childcare
• Costly restaurants
• Heavy traffic delays
• Urban noise levels
• Less nearby wilderness
• Transient population churn
• Longer metro commutes
• Higher insurance rates

Pennsylvania

• Lower housing costs
• Lower income tax
• Bigger living spaces
• Easier street parking
• Milder summer heat
• Lower childcare costs
• Lower dining prices
• Less congested traffic
• Quieter suburban living
• Access to state parks
• Strong local communities
• Shorter average commutes
• Lower car insurance

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to DC

• Say goodbye to colder, snowier winters and hello to a milder winter climate
• Look forward to moving away from state-run liquor stores and moving to DC with flexible alcohol sales
• Swap the car-centric commuting of Pennsylvania for a robust Metro system in DC
• Get ready for abundant free museums in DC

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower housing costs in Pennsylvania to live with high rent prices in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower income tax and have to settle for the con of higher income tax
• Time to bid farewell to bigger living spaces and get used to smaller apartments and houses in DC
• Swap easier street parking for scarce parking spots

Pennsylvania vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings and Falafel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Soul Food of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Zahav, and Vesuvio. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and DC

• The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Row Houses architecture typical of DC.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and natural scenery, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and rooftop decks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• DC has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• DC housing costs are 137% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in DC is 61.71% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Pennsylvania and DC

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to DC. DC gets 13% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and hurricanes in DC.
• The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 41% more than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in DC will be 41% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in DC is 6.0-10.75 compared to 3.07 in PA
• The affluence in DC is significant compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is variable in DC compared to concerning levels in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Pennsylvania and apparent in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. DC

• Pennsylvania tends to lean battleground State in its political climate
• D.C., on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• D.C.'s religious environment can be described as having high religious diversity and being less religious overall
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as <a href="https://pachurches.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">diverse and having a Christian majority</a>

How Much Do Pennsylvania to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 216 miles from Pennsylvania to DC 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.