Pennsylvania to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to California

ConsPennsylvania

• Snowy, icy winters
• Fewer sunny days
• No Pacific beaches
• Short growing season
• Fewer tech careers
• Smaller film scene
• Fewer national parks
• Short hiking season
• Lake-effect snow
• Fewer major airports

ProsCalifornia

• Mild coastal winters
• Abundant sunshine
• Pacific ocean beaches
• Year-round produce
• Large tech job market
• Entertainment industry hub
• Many national parks
• Year-round hiking
• Mediterranean climate
• Multiple major airports

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California

• Expensive housing
• High income taxes
• Higher sales taxes
• High electricity rates
• Wildfire season
• Earthquake risk
• Heavy traffic
• Expensive gasoline
• Less fall foliage
• Far from East Coast

Pennsylvania

• Lower housing costs
• Lower income tax
• Lower sales tax
• Lower utility rates
• Less wildfire risk
• No major earthquakes
• Shorter commutes
• Lower gas prices
• Four distinct seasons
• Central East Coast location

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to California

• Say goodbye to snowy, icy winters and hello to mild coastal winters
• Look forward to moving away from fewer sunny days and moving to California with abundant sunshine
• Swap the no Pacific beaches of Pennsylvania for Pacific Ocean beaches in California
• Get ready for year-round produce in California

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower housing costs in Pennsylvania to live with expensive housing in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower income tax and have to settle for the con of high income taxes
• Time to bid farewell to lower sales tax and get used to higher sales taxes in California
• Swap lower utility rates for high electricity rates

Pennsylvania vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to California, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork Roll and sumptuous Pretzel, California residents know they have tasty Tri-Tip and Street Tacos 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 Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Cheese Board Pizza, The French Laundry, and Gjelina.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and California

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and historic details, California real estate listings often highlight features like open floor plans and eco-friendly features.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; California is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• California has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• California housing costs are 200% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in California is 83.73% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to California. California gets 59% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible thunderstorms and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 28% more than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in California will be 37% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in California is between 1% and 13.3% compared to 3.07% in Pennsylvania
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is high in California compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. California

• Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as a Democratic stronghold
• California's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian predominance

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to California

How Much Do Pennsylvania to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,734 miles from Pennsylvania to California will typically cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.