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Virginia to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

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Planning a 375 mile interstate move from Virginia to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 18.93% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,000 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Pennsylvania movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • High taxes
  • Humid summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • Costly housing
  • Busy lifestyle
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower taxes
  • Cooler summers
  • Less traffic
  • Affordable homes
  • Slower pace

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Less historical sites
  • No beach access
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer landscapes
  • Quieter cities
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Rich history
  • Beach access
  • Diverse culture
  • Varied landscapes
  • Bustling cities

Pros of moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from humid summers and moving to Pennsylvania with cooler summers
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Virginia for less traffic in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for affordable homes in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historical sites in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle with the con of no beach access
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Pennsylvania
  • Swap varied landscapes for fewer landscapes

Virginia vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemFood Truck TacosPretzels
Most popular vegan foodVegetable Grain BowlsMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Leaping Lizard CafΓ©
  • Salty Oyster
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Grain Bowls 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 Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Leaping Lizard CafΓ©, and Salty Oyster. 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, Zahav, and Primanti Bros.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Pennsylvania

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial, Craftsman
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 listingProximity to DC, open layoutsHistorical features, nearby parks
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to DC and open layouts, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historical details and nearby parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 18.93% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86Β°F / 66Β°F83Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48Β°F / 29Β°F37Β°F / 21Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)44"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10-20"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 3 degrees colder than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Pennsylvania

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$85,873$71,798
Cost of Living Index96.699.7
State Income Tax5.75%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%1.36%
Avg. Sales Tax5.30%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, DefenseManufacturing, Mining, Agriculture
AffluenceAffluentModerate
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessManageableModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 16% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to affluent in Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to lower in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Virginia and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
Political Make-upSwing state with notable shifts towards Democratic in recent yearsSwing state with strong Democratic urban areas and Republican rural areas
Local PoliticsDiverse political landscape, local elections significantly influence state politicsLocal politics vary significantly; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean Republican
ReligionChristianity dominates, with Evangelical Protestants being most prominentChristianity is prevalent, Catholicism holds a significant presence
  • Virginia tends to lean swing state with notable shifts towards Democratic in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as swing state with strong Democratic urban areas and Republican rural areas
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Christianity is prevalent and Catholicism holds a significant presence
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominates with Evangelical Protestants being most prominent

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania

ComparisonVirginiaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School
Vienna; Lucketts Elementary School
Leesburg
Adlai Stevenson Elementary School
Pittsburgh; Albert M. Greenfield Elementary School
Philadelphia; Marshall Elementary School
Wexford
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Rocky Run Middle School
Chantilly; Frost Middle School
Fairfax
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Pittsburgh; Welsh Valley Middle School
Narberth
Top 3 High SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Conestoga High School
Berwyn; North Allegheny Senior High School
Wexford; Masterman High School
Philadelphia
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Madeira School
McLean; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
The Haverford School
Haverford; The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr; Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFlint Hill School
Oakton; Potomac School
McLean; Steward School
Richmond
Friends' Central School
Wynnewood; Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia; The Agnes Irwin School
Rosemont
Top 3 School DistrictsFalls Church City Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Fairfax County Public SchoolsTredyffrin-Easttown School District; Radnor Township School District; Lower Merion School District

How Much Do Virginia to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 375 miles from Virginia to Pennsylvania 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,203300 ft3$4.01
1 Bedroom$1,785450 ft3$3.97
2 Bedrooms$2,943750 ft3$3.92
3 Bedrooms$4,2701100 ft3$3.88
4 Bedrooms$6,1431600 ft3$3.84
5+ Bedrooms$6,8341800 ft3$3.80

Top Virginia to Pennsylvania Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Pennsylvania

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details