Texas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 19, 2025

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
- Extreme heat
- Hurricane risks
- Long commutes
- High property taxes
- Limited public lands
- Moderate climate
- Fewer natural disasters
- Efficient public transport
- Lower property taxes
- Abundant state parks
- Tough job market
- Less urban variety
- State income tax
- Harsh winters
- Reserved culture
- 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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | BBQ Brisket | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Tex-Mex Fajitas | Pittsburgh-style Sandwich |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Soft Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad | Mushroom Cheesesteak |
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 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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Modern | Colonial, Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, large yards | Historic 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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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 | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Floods |
Air Quality | Variable | Generally Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°F / 72Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 60Β°F / 38Β°F | 40Β°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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $72,284 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.1 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 0 | 3.07 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.80 | 1.58 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.20 | 6.34 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Energy, Agriculture | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Higher-than-national-average | Average |
Homelessness | Visible | Less-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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Moderately Mixed |
Local Politics | Significant emphasis on state over federal governance | Balance between state and federal interests |
Religion | Strongly Evangelical Protestant | Diverse; 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
Comparison | Texas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | William 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 Schools | William 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 Schools | School 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 schools | St. Markβs 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 schools | The 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 Districts | Eanes 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,131 | 300 ft3 | $7.10 |
1 Bedroom | $3,173 | 450 ft3 | $7.05 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,251 | 750 ft3 | $7.00 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,647 | 1100 ft3 | $6.95 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,043 | 1600 ft3 | $6.90 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,333 | 1800 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.

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery
Best moving company overall for Texas to Pennsylvania