Pennsylvania to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan

ConsPennsylvania

• Higher taxes
• Dense population
• Long commutes
• Harsh winters
• Strict alcohol laws

ProsMichigan

• Lower taxes
• Less crowded
• Shorter commutes
• Milder winters
• Relaxed alcohol laws

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Michigan

• Fewer cultural landmarks
• Limited public transit
• Fewer historic sites
• Rebounding economy
• Variable school quality

Pennsylvania

• Rich culture
• Public transportation
• Historic cities
• Ample job opportunities
• Quality Education

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan

• Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to lower taxes
• Look forward to moving away from dense population and moving to Michigan with less crowding
• Swap the long commutes of Pennsylvania for shorter commutes in Michigan
• Get ready for milder winters in Michigan

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich culture in Pennsylvania to live with fewer cultural landmarks in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of public transportation and have to settle for the con of limited public transit
• Time to bid farewell to historic cities and get used to fewer historic sites in Michigan
• Swap ample job opportunities for a rebounding economy

Pennsylvania vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Detroit-style pizza of Michigan. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzels, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs 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 Cherry Quinoa Salad of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Zahav, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Deli, and Supino Pizzeria.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Michigan

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and proximity to amenities, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and open floor plans.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Michigan is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Michigan has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Michigan housing costs are 8% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased by 45% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Michigan is 2.25% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Pennsylvania to Michigan. Michigan gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Michigan has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible storms and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows in Michigan are 3 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 7% less than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Michigan is 9% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 3.07% in PA
• The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is manageable in Michigan compared to manageable in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is controlled in Pennsylvania and controlled in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Michigan

• Pennsylvania tends to lean as a swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican views in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently leaning more towards Democratic
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority, with significant Muslim and Jewish communities
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can generally be categorized as a Christian majority, with a diverse mix of other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 630 miles from Pennsylvania to Michigan 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.