Movers

Texas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 1,637 mile interstate move from Texas to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Texas vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme heat vs moderate climate), food & health (like BBQ Brisket vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (ranch, modern vs colonial, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Brisket and Tex-Mex Fajitas, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style Sandwich
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Texas
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.35% more affordable than in Texas
  • Moving from Texas to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Texas to Pennsylvania movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Texas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Pennsylvania

ConsTexas iconTexas
  • Extreme heat
  • Hurricane risks
  • Long commutes
  • High property taxes
  • Limited public lands
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Moderate climate
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Efficient public transport
  • Lower property taxes
  • Abundant state parks

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Tough job market
  • Less urban variety
  • State income tax
  • Harsh winters
  • Reserved culture
Texas iconTexas
  • Job opportunities
  • Diverse cities
  • No state income tax
  • Mild winters
  • Friendly culture

Pros of moving from Texas to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to extreme heat and hello to moderate climate
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risks and moving to Pennsylvania with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the long commutes of Texas for efficient public transport in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for lower property taxes in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Texas to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from job opportunities in Texas to live with a tough job market in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse cities and have to settle for the con of less urban variety
  • Time to bid farewell to no state income tax and get used to state income tax in Pennsylvania
  • Swap mild winters for harsh winters

Texas vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemBBQ BrisketPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishTex-Mex FajitasPittsburgh-style Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosSoft Pretzels
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • The Peached Tortilla
  • Killen's BBQ
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Zahav
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 Texas to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Brisket of Texas for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful Tex-Mex Fajitas and sumptuous Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style Sandwiches and Soft Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, The Peached Tortilla, and Killen's BBQ. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and Pennsylvania

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, ModernColonial, Victorian
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 listingOpen floor plans, large yardsHistoric details, proximity to amenities
  • The Ranch and Modern architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and large yards, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Texas.
  • Pennsylvania is similarly bike-friendly to Texas.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Texas.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Texas's $304,027.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.35% more affordable than in Texas.

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

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityVariableGenerally Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Texas to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 24% fewer sunshine days than Texas.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 9 degrees colder than in Texas.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees colder than they are in Texas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Texas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and Pennsylvania

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$72,284$71,798
Cost of Living Index91.199.7
State Income Tax03.07
Avg. Property Tax1.801.58
Avg. Sales Tax8.206.34
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Energy, AgricultureHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHigher-than-national-averageAverage
HomelessnessVisibleLess-visible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 1% less than in Texas
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Texas
  • Bummer... By moving from TX to PA, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.07
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Texas
  • The poverty level is average in Pennsylvania compared to higher-than-national-average poverty in Texas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Texas and less visible in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
Political Make-upLean ConservativeModerately Mixed
Local PoliticsSignificant emphasis on state over federal governanceBalance between state and federal interests
ReligionStrongly Evangelical ProtestantDiverse; includes Catholic, Protestant, Jewish communities
  • Texas tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Mixed
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as diverse and includes Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities
  • Texas's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as strongly Evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Texas to Pennsylvania

ComparisonTexasPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
University of Houston
Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWilliam B Travis Acad/Vangrd for Academically Tag
Dallas

T H Rogers School
Houston

School for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas
Masterman Julia R Secondary School
Philadelphia

Ad Prima Charter School
Philadelphia

Infinity Charter School
Penbrook
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam B Travis Acad/Vangrd for Academically Tag
Dallas

T H Rogers School
Houston

School for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas
Masterman Julia R Secondary School
Philadelphia

Radnor Middle School
Radnor

Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Philadelphia
Top 3 High SchoolsSchool for the Talented & Gifted
Dallas

School of Science & Engineering
Dallas

Carnegie Vanguard High School
Houston
Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School
Philadelphia

Conestoga Senior High School
Berwyn

Central High School
Philadelphia
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Mark’s School of Texas
Dallas

The Kinkaid School
Houston

Greenhill School
Addison
The Haverford School
Haverford

Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh

Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe John Cooper School
The Woodlands

Trinity Valley School
Fort Worth

St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Austin
The Agnes Irwin School
Rosemont

Germantown Academy
Fort Washington

The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
Top 3 School DistrictsEanes Independent School District
Austin

Carroll Independent School District
Southlake

Highland Park Independent School District
Dallas
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Wayne

Radnor Township School District
Radnor

Lower Merion School District
Ardmore

How Much Do Texas to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,637 miles from Texas to Pennsylvania 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$2,131300 ft3$7.10
1 Bedroom$3,173450 ft3$7.05
2 Bedrooms$5,251750 ft3$7.00
3 Bedrooms$7,6471100 ft3$6.95
4 Bedrooms$11,0431600 ft3$6.90
5+ Bedrooms$12,3331800 ft3$6.85

Top Texas to Pennsylvania Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Texas to Pennsylvania 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 Texas to Pennsylvania

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