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Pennsylvania to Indiana Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 513 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian 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 Hot Sausage, but get your taste buds ready for Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie
  • Indiana housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Indiana is 9.06% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Indiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Indiana movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Indiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Indiana

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High cost of living
  • Uneven job market
  • Traffic congestion
  • Cold winters
ProsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Less traffic
  • Milder winters

Indiana iconIndiana
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Fewer local eateries
  • Flat terrain
  • Far from major cities
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history and culture
  • Renowned food scene
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Proximity to NYC and DC

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Indiana

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from the uneven job market and moving to Indiana with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Pennsylvania for less traffic in Indiana
  • Get ready for milder winters in Indiana

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Indiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in Indiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a renowned food scene and have to settle with the con of fewer local eateries
  • Time to bid farewell to scenic landscapes and get used to the flat terrain in Indiana
  • Swap proximity to NYC and DC for being far from major cities

Pennsylvania vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishPittsburgh Hot SausageHoosier Sugar Cream Pie
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelsDeep-fried Pickles
Most popular vegan foodMushroom PhillySeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • The Tamale Place
  • Bluebeard
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 Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pittsburgh Hot Sausage and sumptuous Soft Pretzels, Indiana residents know they have tasty Hoosier Sugar Cream Pie and Deep-fried Pickles to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Philly they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pittsburgh Public Market, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, The Tamale Place, and Bluebeard.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Indiana

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRanch, 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 listingHistoric details, Hardwood floorsSpacious yards, Modern updates
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Indiana.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and hardwood floors, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and modern updates.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Indiana is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Indiana is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Indiana has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Indiana housing costs are 9% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased 54% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Indiana is 9.06% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6285/64
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2034/18
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4240
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3822
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Indiana. Indiana gets 4% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Indiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Indiana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Indiana is the same as in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Indiana. Indiana receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Indiana

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
Avg. Household Income$71,798$66,785
Cost of Living Index99.792.95
State Income Tax3.07%Variable (3.23% Flat)
Avg. Property Tax1.35%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Manufacturing, FinanceManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 7% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Indiana will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in IN is variable at 3.23% flat compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in Indiana is modest compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in Indiana compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and moderate in Indiana

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Indiana

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
Political Make-upSwing StateLean Conservative
Local PoliticsMix of Urban and Rural PoliciesPrimarily Conservative Policies
ReligionChristianity Predominant, with Diverse Faiths PresentPrimarily Christian, with <a href="https://www.in.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fewer Religious Minorities</a>
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state in its political climate
  • Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning conservative
  • Indiana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with <a href="https://www.in.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fewer religious minorities</a>
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with diverse faiths present

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Indiana

ComparisonPennsylvaniaIndiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Indiana University
Purdue University
University of Notre Dame
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMarshall Elementary School (Pittsburgh)
Whitemarsh Elementary (Lafayette Hill)
Hillside Elementary School (Berwyn)
Signature School (Evansville)
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School (West Lafayette)
The Stanley Clark School (South Bend)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRadnor Middle School (Radnor)
Haverford Middle School (Havertown)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Northside Middle School (Columbus)
Brownsburg West Middle School (Brownsburg)
Fall Creek Valley Middle School (Indianapolis)
Top 3 High SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Signature School (Evansville)
Carmel High School (Carmel)
Fishers High School (Fishers)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Culver Academies (Culver)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg)
Traders Point Christian Academy (Whitestown)
Heritage Christian School (Indianapolis)
The International School (Indianapolis)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Carmel Clay Schools
Zionsville Community Schools
Hamilton Southeastern Schools

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Indiana Movers Cost?

Moving 513 miles from Pennsylvania to Indiana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,493300 ft3$4.98
1 Bedroom$2,217450 ft3$4.93
2 Bedrooms$3,658750 ft3$4.88
3 Bedrooms$5,3101100 ft3$4.83
4 Bedrooms$7,6441600 ft3$4.78
5+ Bedrooms$8,5101800 ft3$4.73

Top Pennsylvania to Indiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Indiana

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