Washington to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 9, 2025

Planning a 2,597 mile interstate move from Washington to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Salmon vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (northwest modern vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Salmon and Applewood Smoked Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in Washington
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 24.74% more affordable than in Washington
- Moving from Washington to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,500
- Our top recommended Washington to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Washington to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Pennsylvania
- High cost of living
- Tough job market
- Rainy weather
- Terrain limitations
- Affordable housing
- Growing industries
- More sunny days
- Diverse landscapes
- Less scenic
- Fewer outdoor spaces
- Limited tech jobs
- Traditional norms
- Natural beauty
- Ample parks and trails
- Vibrant tech scene
- Progressive culture
Pros of moving from Washington to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from the tough job market and moving to Pennsylvania with growing industries
- Swap the rainy weather of Washington for more sunny days in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for diverse landscapes in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Washington to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Washington to live with less scenic views in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of ample parks and trails and have to settle for the con of fewer outdoor spaces
- Time to bid farewell to the vibrant tech scene and get used to limited tech jobs in Pennsylvania
- Swap progressive culture for traditional norms
Washington vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Washington | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Applewood Smoked Salmon | Pork and Sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | 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 Washington to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Applewood Smoked Salmon and sumptuous Tacos, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the 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 Washington eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Mamnoon. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Washington. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Pennsylvania compared to what you are used to in Washington. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Washington | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Northwest Modern | Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Eco-friendly features, Proximity to tech hubs | Historic details, Proximity to universities |
- The Northwest Modern architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference eco-friendly features and proximity to tech hubs, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to universities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Washington.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Washington.
- Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than Washington.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Washingtonβs $591,148.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 24.74% more affordable than in Washington.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Washington and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Washington | 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 | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Floods, Snowstorms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 75Β°F / 55Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 47Β°F / 38Β°F | 33Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 38 | 42 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5 | 38 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 18% more sunny days than Washington.
- Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
- Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
- The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 18 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Washington.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Washington | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $91,306 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 104.1 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 0 | 3.07 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.93 | 1.58 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.5 | 6 |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Notable | Manageable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 21% less than in Washington
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 4% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
- Bummer... By moving from WA to PA, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.07
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to high in Washington
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in Washington
- In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Washington and manageable in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Washington | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal, especially in urban areas | Mixed, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural areas more conservative |
Local Politics | Progressive policies in areas like Seattle | Varied, with significant influence from both major parties |
Religion | Less religious, with a high percentage of non-affiliated individuals | More diverse religious landscape, strong Catholic and Protestant presence |
- Washington tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as mixed, with urban areas leaning Liberal and rural areas more Conservative
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as a more diverse religious landscape, with a strong Catholic and Protestant presence
- Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious, with a high percentage of non-affiliated individuals
Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Washington | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Washington Washington State University Seattle University | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah) Medina Elementary (Bellevue) Sunrise Elementary (Kent) | Merion Elementary (Merion Station) Bradford Heights Elementary (Downingtown) South Fayette Intermediate (McDonald) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | International School (Bellevue) Odle Middle School (Bellevue) Redmond Middle School (Redmond) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square) |
Top 3 High Schools | International School (Bellevue) Newport Senior High School (Bellevue) Tesla STEM High School (Redmond) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Downingtown STEM Academy (Downingtown) Central High School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private high schools | Lakeside School (Seattle) The Overlake School (Redmond) Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland) | The Haverford School (Haverford) William Penn Charter School (Philadelphia) The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Evergreen School (Shoreline) Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma) The Bush School (Seattle) | Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Philadelphia) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) The Kiski School (Saltsburg) |
Top 3 School Districts | Bellevue School District Mercer Island School District Lake Washington School District | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School District |
How Much Do Washington to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 2,597 miles from Washington to Pennsylvania 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.
- Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,675 | 300 ft3 | $8.92 |
1 Bedroom | $3,990 | 450 ft3 | $8.87 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,612 | 750 ft3 | $8.82 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,643 | 1100 ft3 | $8.77 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,946 | 1600 ft3 | $8.72 |
5+ Bedrooms | $15,599 | 1800 ft3 | $8.67 |
Top Washington to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Washington to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Washington to Pennsylvania