Pennsylvania to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Washington

ConsPennsylvania

• State income tax
• Humid summer heat
• Harsh winter cold
• Expensive turnpike tolls
• Smaller tech sector
• No ocean coastline
• Few national parks
• Limited ferry service
• Annual vehicle inspections
• Liquor store restrictions
• Low minimum wage
• Slower job growth

ProsWashington

• No income tax
• Dry, mild summers
• Milder coastal winters
• Fewer toll roads
• Top tech hub
• Pacific coast access
• Iconic national parks
• Extensive ferry system
• No routine inspections
• Grocery liquor sales
• Higher minimum wage
• Strong job growth

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Washington

• Higher sales tax
• Far from East Coast
• High housing costs
• Seasonal wildfire smoke
• Quake and volcano risk
• Gray, rainy winters
• Costly car tabs
• High liquor taxes
• Payroll care tax
• Limited intercity rail
• Longer cross-country flights
• Fewer colonial landmarks

Pennsylvania

• Lower sales tax
• East Coast proximity
• Lower housing costs
• Less wildfire smoke
• Lower earthquake risk
• Less winter gloom
• Cheaper car registration
• Lower liquor taxes
• No care payroll tax
• Strong Northeast rail
• Closer major metros
• Historic colonial sites

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Washington

• Say goodbye to state income tax and hello to no income tax
• Look forward to moving away from humid summer heat and moving to Washington with dry and mild summers
• Swap the harsh winter cold of Pennsylvania for milder coastal winters in Washington
• Get ready for fewer toll roads in Washington

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Washington

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower sales tax in Pennsylvania to live with higher sales tax in Washington
• You'll lose out on the pro of East Coast proximity and have to settle with the con of being far from the East Coast
• Time to bid farewell to lower housing costs and get used to high housing costs in Washington
• Swap less wildfire smoke for seasonal wildfire smoke

Pennsylvania vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Washington, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Washington residents know they have tasty Geoduck Clam and Fish 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 Tempeh Reuben of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Zahav, Reading Terminal Market, and Primanti Bros. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Pike Place Chowder, and The Herb Farm.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Washington

• The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Contemporary architecture typical of Washington.
• Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference historic details and large yards, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly aspects and proximity to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Pennsylvania.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
• Washington has more of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
• Washington housing costs are 126% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
• Rent in Washington is 32.87% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Pennsylvania to Washington. Washington gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
• Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Pennsylvania but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 6 degrees colder than in Pennsylvania.
• The average winter lows in Washington are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Washington

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 27% more than those in Pennsylvania
• The COLI in Washington is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
• Hooray, moving to WA means you will no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
• The poverty level is lower in Washington compared to noticeable poverty in Pennsylvania
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Pennsylvania and significant in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Washington

• Pennsylvania tends to lean swing State with a mix of Democratic and Republican leanings in its political climate.
• Washington, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in urban areas.
• Washington's religious environment can be described as less religious overall, with Christianity being the major religion but has a significant 'nones' demographic.
• Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominating, with a diverse mix of other religions.

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,596 miles from Pennsylvania to Washington will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.