Movers

Wisconsin to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 777 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climates), food & health (like Cheese curds vs Philly cheesesteak), real estate & housing (prairie and craftsman vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Philly cheesesteak & Scrapple
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 18.68% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Wisconsin to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh Winters
  • Limited Public Transport
  • Crowded Events
  • Rural Focus
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder Climates
  • Robust Transit Systems
  • Frequent Festivals
  • Urban Amenities

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher Taxes
  • Urban Sprawl
  • Faster Pace
  • Lesser Dairy Variety
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Low Living Costs
  • Natural Scenery
  • Friendly Community
  • Great Cheese

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climates
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Pennsylvania with robust transit systems
  • Swap the crowded events of Wisconsin for frequent festivals in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for urban amenities in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low living costs in Wisconsin to live with higher taxes in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of natural scenery and have to settle for the con of urban sprawl
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly community and get used to faster pace in Pennsylvania
  • Swap great cheese for lesser dairy variety

Wisconsin vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemCheese curdsPhilly cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBratwurstScrapple
Most popular street food itemFried cheese curdsSoft pretzels
Most popular vegan foodVegan cheese optionsVegan cheesesteaks
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Cookery
  • Mader's
  • Lake Park Bistro
  • 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 Wisconsin to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic cheese curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Philly cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful bratwurst and sumptuous fried cheese curds, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty scrapple and soft pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegan cheese options they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegan cheesesteaks of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Cookery, Mader's, and Lake Park Bistro. 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 a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Wisconsin. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania, compared to what you are used to in Wisconsin. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanColonial and 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 listingLakefront Access, Large YardsHistoric Details, Proximity to Public Transit
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakefront access and large yards, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to public transit.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 18.68% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
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 DisastersSevere snowstorms, TornadoesHurricanes, Flooding
Air QualityGenerally goodVaries, urban areas can have poor quality
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3242
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4838
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible severe snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 10 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Pennsylvania

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$70,996$71,798
Cost of Living Index95.6599.7
State Income Tax4.0%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax5.46%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 1% more than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania is 4% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.0% in WI
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
Political Make-upPurple, swings between Democrat & RepublicanSwing state with a mix of Democratic & Republican areas
Local PoliticsLocalized politics vary greatly from urban to rural areasSimilar variance from urban areas like Philadelphia to rural Pennsylvania
ReligionChristianity predominant, but diverse religious communitiesMajority Christian, with a significant presence of other faiths
  • Wisconsin tends to lean purple, swinging between Democrat and Republican in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican areas
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as majority Christian with a significant presence of other faiths
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, but with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania

ComparisonWisconsinPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Pennsylvania State University
State College
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Temple University
Philadelphia
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School
Madison
Elm Lawn Elementary
Middleton
Lake View Elementary
Madison
Whitemarsh Elementary
Lafayette Hill
Lower Gwynedd Elementary
Ambler
Blue Bell Elementary
Blue Bell
Top 3 Middle SchoolsKromrey Middle School
Middleton
Glacier Creek Middle School
Cross Plains
Hamilton Middle School
Madison
Welsh Valley Middle School
Narberth
Springton Lake Middle School
Media
Radnor Middle School
Wayne
Top 3 High School SchoolsMadison West High School
Madison
Eau Claire Memorial High School
Eau Claire
Brookfield Central High School
Brookfield
Conestoga High School
Berwyn
North Allegheny High School
Wexford
Masterman High School
Philadelphia
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Madison Country Day School
Waunakee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
The Haverford School
Haverford
William Penn Charter School
Philadelphia
The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Madison Country Day School
Waunakee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
The Haverford School
Haverford
Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh
Gerstell Academy
Finksburg
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton
Waunakee Community School District
Waunakee
Tredyffrin/Easttown School District
Berwyn
Radnor Township School District
Radnor
North Allegheny School District
Pittsburgh

How Much Do Wisconsin to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 777 miles from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,643300 ft3$5.48
1 Bedroom$2,442450 ft3$5.43
2 Bedrooms$4,032750 ft3$5.38
3 Bedrooms$5,8591100 ft3$5.33
4 Bedrooms$8,4431600 ft3$5.28
5+ Bedrooms$9,4081800 ft3$5.23

Top Wisconsin to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details