Movers

Pennsylvania to Florida Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,132 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Florida? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Florida across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like snowy winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Key Lime Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs spanish, mediterranean), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Florida), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pittsburgh Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Key Lime Pie & Cuban Sandwich
  • Florida housing costs are 52% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Florida is 49.93% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Florida movers is Sebastian Moving and More

Pennsylvania to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Snowy winters
  • High state taxes
  • Limited beaches
  • Seasonal tourism
ProsFlorida iconFlorida
  • Mild winters
  • No state income tax
  • Abundant beaches
  • Year-round tourism

Florida iconFlorida
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Hurricane risk
  • Tourist crowds
  • Flat landscape
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Four distinct seasons
  • History-rich cities
  • Diverse culture
  • Ample hiking opportunities

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

  • Say goodbye to snowy winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Florida with no state income tax
  • Swap the limited beaches of Pennsylvania for abundant beaches in Florida
  • Get ready for year-round tourism in Florida

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four distinct seasons in Pennsylvania to live with hot, humid summers in Florida
  • You'll lose out on the pro of history-rich cities and have to settle for the con of hurricane risk
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to tourist crowds in Florida
  • Swap ample hiking opportunities for a flat landscape

Pennsylvania vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakKey Lime Pie
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh PorkCuban Sandwich
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelEmpanadas
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe's Stone Crab
  • Versailles Restaurant
  • Bern's Steak House
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 Florida, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh Pork and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas 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 Jackfruit Tacos of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Primanti Bros., and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Bern's Steak House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Florida

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodSpanish, Mediterranean
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, Spacious backyardSwimming pool, Waterfront access
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Mediterranean architecture typical of Florida.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and spacious backyards, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and waterfront access.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Florida is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Florida is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Florida has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Florida housing costs are 52% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Florida is 49.93% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
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, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6291/75
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2072/53
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)380
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Florida. Florida gets 32% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Florida 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 flooding in Florida.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 6 degrees warmer than Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 33 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Florida

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
Avg. Household Income$71,798$69,303
Cost of Living Index99.797.8
State Income Tax3.07%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.50%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%7.05%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, EducationTourism, Agriculture, Real Estate
AffluenceModerateVarying
PovertyBelow AverageAveraging
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 3% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Florida will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • Hooray, moving to Florida means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Florida is varying compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is averaging in Florida compared to below average poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and higher in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Florida

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
Political Make-upSwing StateSwing State with a recent lean towards Republican
Local PoliticsMixed with both urban (Democratic) and rural (Republican) influencesDiverse, with significant Cuban-American (Republican leaning) and African-American (Democratic leaning) influences
ReligionMainly Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communitiesPrimarily Christian, with a significant Catholic population and growing Jewish and Muslim communities
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state in its political climate
  • Florida, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a recent lean towards Republican
  • Florida's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a significant Catholic population and growing Jewish and Muslim communities
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

ComparisonPennsylvaniaFlorida
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Florida
Florida State University
University of Miami
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsAdlai Stevenson School
Pittsburgh; Penn Alexander School
Philadelphia; Hardyston Elementary School
Hardyston
Pine View School
Osprey; Doral Academy of Technology
Doral; Somerset Academy Miramar
Miramar
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Radnor Middle School
Radnor; Haverford Middle School
Haverford
Bak Middle School of the Arts
West Palm Beach; Archimedean Middle Conservatory
Miami; Doral Academy Charter Middle School
Doral
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Conestoga High School
Berwyn; Central High School
Philadelphia
Design and Architecture Senior High
Miami; Pine View School
Osprey; Stanton College Preparatory School
Jacksonville
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford; William Penn Charter School
Philadelphia; Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh
Bolles School
Jacksonville; American Heritage School
Plantation; Pine Crest School
Fort Lauderdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Shipley School
Bryn Mawr; Winchester Thurston School
Pittsburgh; Moravian Academy
Bethlehem
Ransom Everglades School
Miami; North Broward Preparatory School
Coconut Creek; Gulliver Prep
Miami
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
South Fayette Township School District
Radnor Township School District
St. Johns County School District
Sarasota County Schools
Okaloosa County School District

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 1,132 miles from Pennsylvania to Florida will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2.5-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,568300 ft3$5.23
1 Bedroom$2,332450 ft3$5.18
2 Bedrooms$3,855750 ft3$5.14
3 Bedrooms$5,6081100 ft3$5.10
4 Bedrooms$8,0891600 ft3$5.06
5+ Bedrooms$9,0231800 ft3$5.01

Top Pennsylvania to Florida Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sebastian Moving and More featured image

Sebastian Moving and More

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Florida

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Easy Florida Moving LLC featured image

Easy Florida Moving LLC

9.56/10
ExceptionalView details