Pennsylvania to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia

ConsPennsylvania

• Harsh, snowy winters
• No ocean beaches
• Higher property taxes
• City wage taxes
• Fewer federal jobs
• Shorter growing season
• Limited coastal recreation
• Lake-effect snow risks

ProsVirginia

• Milder winter climate
• Atlantic/Chesapeake access
• Lower property taxes
• No local wage tax
• Strong federal market
• Longer growing season
• Beaches and bays
• Minimal lake-effect snow

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Virginia

• Higher income tax
• Annual car property tax
• Hotter, humid summers
• Higher hurricane risk
• Local grocery tax
• Heavy I-95 congestion
• Less reliable snowfall
• Coastal flooding exposure

Pennsylvania

• Lower income tax
• No car property tax
• Cooler summer temperatures
• Lower hurricane risk
• No grocery sales tax
• Less I-95 congestion
• Reliable winter snow
• Lower flooding risk

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh snowy winters and hello to milder winter climate
• Look forward to moving away from no ocean beaches and moving to Virginia with Atlantic/Chesapeake access
• Swap the higher property taxes of Pennsylvania for lower property taxes in Virginia
• Get ready for no local wage tax in Virginia

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower income tax in Pennsylvania to live with higher income tax in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of no car property tax and have to settle for the con of annual car property tax
• Time to bid farewell to cooler summer temperatures and get used to hotter humid summers in Virginia
• Swap lower hurricane risk for higher hurricane risk

Pennsylvania vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Virginia residents know they have tasty BBQ and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Zahav, Vesper Teen, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Shack, Le Diplomate Bistro, and Mama J's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Virginia

• The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and historic charm, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Virginia is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Virginia is similarly bike-friendly to Pennsylvania.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Virginia housing costs are 48% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42%, compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Virginia is 23.35% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Virginia gets 15% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Virginia 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 floods in Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 4 degrees warmer than Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 20% more than in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Virginia will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• The state income tax in VA is 2% to 5.75% compared to 3.07% in PA
• The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Virginia

• Pennsylvania tends to lean moderately Democratic in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Democratic to Toss-Up
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with growing numbers of Hindus, Muslims, and other faiths
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 376 miles from Pennsylvania to Virginia will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.