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Pennsylvania to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,074 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch colonial vs antebellum, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Catfish & Barbecue Ribs
  • Mississippi housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Mississippi is 7.74% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Mississippi will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Mississippi movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Mississippi

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • High property taxes
  • Densely populated cities
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Mild winters
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Lower property taxes
  • Spacious rural areas

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Sparse public transport
  • Fewer colleges
  • More humidity
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Diverse job market
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Excellent public transit
  • Higher education institutions
  • Diverse weather

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Mississippi

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Mississippi with lower living costs
  • Swap the heavy traffic congestion of Pennsylvania for less traffic in Mississippi
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Mississippi

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Mississippi

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Pennsylvania to live with limited job opportunities in Mississippi
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural heritage and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to excellent public transit and get used to sparse public transport in Mississippi
  • Swap higher education institutions for fewer colleges

Pennsylvania vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakCatfish
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemPretzelsPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Pat's King of 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 Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Mississippi residents know they have tasty Barbecue Ribs and Po'boys 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 Okra Gumbo of Mississippi. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like City Grocery, McClain Lodge, and Doe's Eat Place.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Mississippi

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Dutch ColonialAntebellum, Ranch
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, Porches
  • The Colonial and Dutch Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Ranch architecture typical of Mississippi.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and porches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Mississippi is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Mississippi is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Mississippi has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Mississippi housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania with a median home price of $178,490 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Mississippi is 7.74% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
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, FloodsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F55Β°F / 34Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4259
Annual Snowfall (Inches)381
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 20% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Mississippi 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 hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 9 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Mississippi

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
Avg. Household Income$71,798$52,719
Cost of Living Index99.792.1
State Income Tax3.07%0% - 5%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.81%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%7.07%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationAgriculture, Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLessModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 27% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Mississippi will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in MS is 0% - 5% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in Mississippi is lower compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is higher in Mississippi compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is less in Pennsylvania and moderate in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Mississippi

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
Political Make-upModerately liberal, closely divided in presidential electionsConservatively leaning, solid Republican in recent elections
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban areas tend to be more liberalPrimarily conservative, significant Republican influence
ReligionMainly Christian, with a significant presence of various faithsHeavily Christian, predominantly Protestant
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean moderately liberal and is closely divided in presidential elections in its political climate
  • Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as conservatively leaning and solidly Republican in recent elections
  • Mississippi's religious environment can be described as heavily Christian and predominantly Protestant
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Christian with a significant presence of various faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Mississippi

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMississippi
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRichboro Elem. (Richboro)
Marshall Elem. (Bethel Park)
Blue Bell Elem. (Blue Bell)
Eastside Elem. (Clinton)
Mannsdale Elem. (Madison)
Oak Park Elem. (Ocean Springs)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMurray Avenue School (Huntingdon Valley)
Welsh Valley M.S. (Narberth)
Holicong M.S. (Doylestown)
Northwest Rankin M.S. (Flowood)
Lewisburg M.S. (Olive Branch)
Madison M.S. (Madison)
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior H.S. (Berwyn)
Central H.S. (Philadelphia)
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (Columbus)
Ocean Springs H.S. (Ocean Springs)
Lewisburg H.S. (Olive Branch)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Jackson Preparatory School (Jackson)
Saint Andrew's Episcopal School (Ridgeland)
Presbyterian Christian School (Hattiesburg)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square)
Germantown Academy (Fort Washington)
The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr)
Jackson Academy (Jackson)
Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison)
Heritage Academy (Columbus)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Madison County School District
Clinton Public School District
Ocean Springs School District

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 1,074 miles from Pennsylvania to Mississippi 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,811300 ft3$6.04
1 Bedroom$2,695450 ft3$5.99
2 Bedrooms$4,453750 ft3$5.94
3 Bedrooms$6,4771100 ft3$5.89
4 Bedrooms$9,3411600 ft3$5.84
5+ Bedrooms$10,4181800 ft3$5.79

Top Pennsylvania to Mississippi Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Mississippi

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

Philadelphia to Mississippi

Pittsburgh to Mississippi