Pennsylvania to Texas Moving Guide
Updated June 7, 2025

Planning a 1,622 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Texas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Texas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like brutal winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Texas Barbecue), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch vs ranch, spanish), 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 Texas Barbecue & Brisket
- Texas housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
- Rent in Texas is 14.09% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
- Moving from Pennsylvania to Texas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Texas movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery
Pennsylvania to Texas Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Texas
- Brutal winters
- High taxes
- Limited space
- Pothole issues
- Slower growth
- Mild winters
- No state income tax
- Sprawling landscapes
- Better roads
- Economic boom
- Less historical sites
- Hot summers
- Tornado risk
- Urban sprawl
- Car-dependent
- Rich history
- Lush greenery
- Four seasons
- Close-knit communities
- Public transport
Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Texas
- Say goodbye to brutal winters and hello to mild winters
- Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Texas with no state income tax
- Swap the limited space of Pennsylvania for sprawling landscapes in Texas
- Get ready for better roads in Texas
Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Texas
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in Texas
- You'll lose out on the pro of lush greenery and have to settle for the con of hot summers
- Time to bid farewell to four seasons and get used to the tornado risk in Texas
- Swap close-knit communities for urban sprawl
Pennsylvania vs. Texas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Texas Barbecue |
Most popular meat dish | Pork and Sauerkraut | Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Pretzels | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Mushroom Cheesesteak | Vegan Tex-Mex |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Texas, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Texas Barbecue of Texas. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Texas residents know they have tasty Brisket and Tacos 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 Vegan Tex-Mex of Texas. 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 Texas, don't wait too long before making your way to Texas's acclaimed eateries like Franklin Barbecue, The Salt Lick, and Home Slice Pizza.
When comparing lifestyles, Texas shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Pennsylvania. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Texas compared to what you are used to in Pennsylvania. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Texas.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Texas
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Dutch | Ranch, Spanish |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Spacious backyards, Energy efficiency |
- The Colonial and Dutch architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Spanish architecture typical of Texas.
- Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Texas real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and energy efficiency.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Texas is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Texas is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
- Texas has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
- Texas housing costs are 16% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $304,027 compared to Pennsylvaniaβs $261,312.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Texas have increased by 45% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
- Rent in Texas is 14.09% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Pennsylvania and Texas
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Hurricanes, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 83Β°F/62Β°F | 94Β°F/73Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F/21Β°F | 62Β°F/42Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 36 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 38 | 1 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Texas. Texas gets 31% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
- Texas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
- Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Texas is 11 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
- The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Texas. Texas receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Texas
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $72,284 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 91.1 |
State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.58% | 1.80% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34% | 8.19% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail | Oil, Technology, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Medium | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | High |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Texas tend to earn about 1% more than in Pennsylvania
- The COLI in Texas will be 9% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
- Hooray, moving to TX means you'll no longer have state income taxes
- The affluence in Texas is high compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
- The poverty level is moderate in Texas compared to medium poverty in Pennsylvania
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and high in Texas
Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Texas
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed; leans Democratic | Leans Republican |
Local Politics | Varies by city/county | Varies by city/county |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | Christianity predominant, particularly Evangelical; diverse religious communities |
- Pennsylvania tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
- Texas, on the other hand, is often described as leans Republican
- Texas' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, particularly Evangelical and diverse religious communities
- Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity and diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Texas
Comparison | Pennsylvania | Texas |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | Penn State University University of Pennsylvania Temple University | University of Texas at Austin Texas A&M University University of Houston |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Adlai E. Stevenson School Pittsburgh; Albert M. Greenfield School Philadelphia; Hillside Elementary School New Cumberland | West University Elementary Houston; Tanglewood Elementary Fort Worth; Valley Creek Elementary McKinney |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia; Radnor Middle School Radnor; Haverford Middle School Haverford | William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted Dallas; The Rice School Houston; Canyon Vista Middle School Austin |
Top 3 High Schools | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School Philadelphia; Central High School Philadelphia; Conestoga High School Berwyn | Liberal Arts and Science Academy Austin; School for the Talented and Gifted Dallas; Westlake High School Austin |
Top 3 private high schools | The Haverford School Haverford; Germantown Friends School Philadelphia; The Baldwin School Bryn Mawr | St. Mark's School of Texas Dallas; The Kinkaid School Houston; Greenhill School Addison |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Agnes Irwin School Rosemont; Friends' Central School Wynnewood; Germantown Friends School Philadelphia | St. Stephen's Episcopal School Austin; The Awty International School Houston; The Hockaday School Dallas |
Top 3 School Districts | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Wayne; Radnor Township School District Radnor; Lower Merion School District Ardmore | Eanes Independent School District Austin; Carroll Independent School District Southlake; Coppell Independent School District Coppell |
How Much Do Pennsylvania to Texas Movers Cost?
Moving 1,622 miles from Pennsylvania to Texas will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,122 | 300 ft3 | $7.07 |
1 Bedroom | $3,161 | 450 ft3 | $7.02 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,230 | 750 ft3 | $6.97 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,616 | 1100 ft3 | $6.92 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,998 | 1600 ft3 | $6.87 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,282 | 1800 ft3 | $6.82 |
Top Pennsylvania to Texas Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Pennsylvania to Texas movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery
Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Texas
Philadelphia to Texas
- Philadelphia to Amarillo
- Philadelphia to Arlington
- Philadelphia to Austin
- Philadelphia to Corpus Christi
- Philadelphia to Dallas
- Philadelphia to El Paso
- Philadelphia to Fort Worth
- Philadelphia to Frisco
- Philadelphia to Garland
- Philadelphia to Grand Prairie
- Philadelphia to Houston
- Philadelphia to Irving
- Philadelphia to Killeen
- Philadelphia to Laredo
- Philadelphia to Lubbock
- Philadelphia to McKinney
- Philadelphia to Pasadena
- Philadelphia to Plano
- Philadelphia to San Antonio
Pittsburgh to Texas
- Pittsburgh to Amarillo
- Pittsburgh to Arlington
- Pittsburgh to Austin
- Pittsburgh to Corpus Christi
- Pittsburgh to Dallas
- Pittsburgh to El Paso
- Pittsburgh to Fort Worth
- Pittsburgh to Frisco
- Pittsburgh to Garland
- Pittsburgh to Grand Prairie
- Pittsburgh to Houston
- Pittsburgh to Irving
- Pittsburgh to Killeen
- Pittsburgh to Laredo
- Pittsburgh to Lubbock
- Pittsburgh to McKinney
- Pittsburgh to Pasadena
- Pittsburgh to Plano
- Pittsburgh to San Antonio