Pennsylvania to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

ConsPennsylvania

• State income tax
• Harsh winter snow
• Icy salt roads
• High heating bills
• Short pool season
• Gray winter skies
• State liquor control
• Limited beach access
• Snow shoveling hassle
• Seasonal pothole damage
• Shorter growing season
• Winter SAD risk

ProsFlorida

• No income tax
• Warm mild winters
• No icy roads
• Lower heating costs
• Year-round swimming
• More annual sunshine
• Easier alcohol sales
• World-class beaches
• No snow shoveling
• Fewer freeze-thaw repairs
• Longer growing season
• Brighter winter days

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Florida

• Fewer seasonal changes
• Hot humid summers
• No true autumn
• Limited mountain trails
• Frequent hurricane threats
• Higher insurance costs
• Flooding sea-level risk
• Persistent humidity
• Limited intercity rail
• Less historic charm
• Longer allergy season
• Little local skiing

Pennsylvania

• Four distinct seasons
• Cooler summer temps
• Vibrant fall foliage
• Nearby mountain hiking
• Lower hurricane risk
• Lower home insurance
• Lower flood risk
• Lower humidity
• Strong rail access
• Historic architecture
• Shorter allergy season
• Winter sports nearby

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

• Say goodbye to state income tax and hello to no income tax
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winter snow and moving to Florida with warm mild winters
• Swap the icy salt roads of Pennsylvania for no icy roads in Florida
• Get ready for lower heating costs in Florida

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Florida

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from four distinct seasons in Pennsylvania to live with fewer seasonal changes in Florida
• You'll lose out on the pro of cooler summer temps and have to settle for the con of hot humid summers
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant fall foliage and get used to no true autumn in Florida
• Swap nearby mountain hiking for limited mountain trails

Pennsylvania vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.