West Virginia to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Pennsylvania

ConsWest Virginia

• Limited job opportunities
• Poor healthcare access
• Isolation in rural areas

ProsPennsylvania

• More diverse economy
• Better healthcare facilities
• Vibrant urban centers

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Pennsylvania

• Harsher winters
• Higher living expenses
• Busy urban life

West Virginia

• Beautiful mountains
• Lower cost of living
• Friendly communities

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a more diverse economy
• Look forward to moving away from poor healthcare access and moving to Pennsylvania with better healthcare facilities
• Swap the isolation in rural areas of West Virginia for vibrant urban centers in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful mountains in West Virginia to live with harsher winters in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living expenses
• Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to a busy urban life in Pennsylvania

West Virginia vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from West Virginia to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Morel Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Philly of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Greenbrier, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Hillbilly Hot Dogs. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Zahav, Geno's Steaks, and Reading Terminal Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Pennsylvania

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and scenic views, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like public transportation access and historic districts.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than West Virginia.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
• Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 48.53% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 9% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
• Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to West Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and landslides in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 2 degrees colder than in West Virginia.
• The average winter lows in Pennsylvania are 5 degrees colder than they are in West Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 32% more than those in West Virginia
• The COLI in Pennsylvania is 5% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 3-6.5% in WV
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is higher compared to moderate affluence in West Virginia
• The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to noticeable poverty in West Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is limited in West Virginia and notable in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Pennsylvania

• West Virginia tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as diverse, including Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), Judaism, Islam, and others
• West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a focus on Protestantism

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Pennsylvania

How Much Do West Virginia to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 335 miles from West Virginia to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.