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Pennsylvania to Texas Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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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

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Brutal winters
  • High taxes
  • Limited space
  • Pothole issues
  • Slower growth
ProsTexas iconTexas
  • Mild winters
  • No state income tax
  • Sprawling landscapes
  • Better roads
  • Economic boom

Texas iconTexas
  • Less historical sites
  • Hot summers
  • Tornado risk
  • Urban sprawl
  • Car-dependent
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakTexas Barbecue
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautBrisket
Most popular street food itemPretzelsTacos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakVegan Tex-Mex
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Zahav
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • The Salt Lick
  • Home Slice Pizza
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 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, DutchRanch, Spanish
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 countertopsSpacious 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 Pennsylvania’s $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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
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 DisastersBlizzards, FloodsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F/62Β°F94Β°F/73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F/21Β°F62Β°F/42Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4236
Annual Snowfall (Inches)381
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
Avg. Household Income$71,798$72,284
Cost of Living Index99.791.1
State Income Tax3.07%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%1.80%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%8.19%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailOil, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyMediumModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
Political Make-upMixed; leans DemocraticLeans Republican
Local PoliticsVaries by city/countyVaries by city/county
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity 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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaTexas
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 SchoolsAdlai 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 SchoolsJulia 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 SchoolsJulia 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 schoolsThe 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsTredyffrin-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 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,122300 ft3$7.07
1 Bedroom$3,161450 ft3$7.02
2 Bedrooms$5,230750 ft3$6.97
3 Bedrooms$7,6161100 ft3$6.92
4 Bedrooms$10,9981600 ft3$6.87
5+ Bedrooms$12,2821800 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.

TOP PICK
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery featured image

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Texas

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC featured image

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details