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Washington to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 9, 2025

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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

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Tough job market
  • Rainy weather
  • Terrain limitations
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Affordable housing
  • Growing industries
  • More sunny days
  • Diverse landscapes

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Less scenic
  • Fewer outdoor spaces
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Traditional norms
Washington iconWashington
  • 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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemSalmonPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishApplewood Smoked SalmonPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemTacosPretzels
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Mamnoon
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
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 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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleNorthwest ModernColonial
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 listingEco-friendly features, Proximity to tech hubsHistoric 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 Washington’s $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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesFloods, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 38Β°F33Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3842
Annual Snowfall (Inches)538
  • 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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$91,306$71,798
Cost of Living Index104.199.7
State Income Tax03.07
Avg. Property Tax0.931.58
Avg. Sales Tax6.56
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, ManufacturingHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNotableManageable
  • 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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
Political Make-upLiberal, especially in urban areasMixed, with urban areas leaning liberal and rural areas more conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive policies in areas like SeattleVaried, with significant influence from both major parties
ReligionLess religious, with a high percentage of non-affiliated individualsMore 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

ComparisonWashingtonPennsylvania
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 SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Medina Elementary (Bellevue)
Sunrise Elementary (Kent)
Merion Elementary (Merion Station)
Bradford Heights Elementary (Downingtown)
South Fayette Intermediate (McDonald)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational 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 SchoolsInternational 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 schoolsLakeside 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 schoolsEvergreen 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 DistrictsBellevue 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 - $9,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,675300 ft3$8.92
1 Bedroom$3,990450 ft3$8.87
2 Bedrooms$6,612750 ft3$8.82
3 Bedrooms$9,6431100 ft3$8.77
4 Bedrooms$13,9461600 ft3$8.72
5+ Bedrooms$15,5991800 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.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Washington to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details