Moving to Pennsylvania: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking of moving to Pennsylvania? You’re not alone. The Keystone State draws folks from everywhere—whether you’re after the excitement of Philadelphia or the charm of quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you.

Pennsylvania has plenty to offer, but before making the move and buying a home, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons.

We’ll break down everything you should know about moving to Pennsylvania so you can easily decide if it’s the right place for you.

Jump to the Pennsylvania information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to PA
Top car shippers to PA
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Pennsylvania

Like any big move, relocating to Pennsylvania comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Keystone State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in Pennsylvania

✓Low cost of living
✓Abundant fun and recreational activities
✓Beautiful landscapes
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Excellent education options

Cons of living in Pennsylvania

✖Harsh winter weather
✖Bad driving conditions
✖Nuclear power plants
✖Unpredictable weather
✖High taxes on gasoline

Things to do in Pennsylvania

No matter why you’re heading to Pennsylvania—for a job, family, or just a change of scenery—you’ll want to dive into everything your new home has to offer. The great thing is, Pennsylvania is packed with exciting activities and places to discover, no matter what you’re into.

These places are perfect for family outings or for meeting new people if you’re exploring on your own. With so many choices, you’re sure to find a spot that matches your style and makes you feel at home.

Popular Attractions in Pennsylvania

Hersheypark
Gettysburg National Military Park
Fallingwater
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Visit Strasburg
Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Eastern State Penitentiary
Presque Isle State Park

Museums in Pennsylvania

Eastern State Penitentiary
The Hershey Story Museum
National Civil War Museum
SteelStacks
Steamtown National Historic Site
Asa Packer Mansion
Duquesne Incline
AACA Museum, Inc.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Barnes

Parks in Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park
Presque Isle State Park
Core Creek Park
Allentown Fish Hatchery
Rocky Ridge County Park
Lititz Springs Park
Point State Park
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Nay Aug Park

Fun facts about Pennsylvania

Each state has its own distinct flavor, influenced by its history, culture, and residents. Exploring local traditions and quirks lets you really experience what life is like there.

Learning these fun facts about Pennsylvania reveals what makes the state unique—and might even spark your interest in making it your new home.

Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn. The name of the state comes from the name of the founder’s father (Admiral William Penn) and not his own. The founder William Penn wanted the state to be named “Sylvania”. (Sylvania is a Latin word meaning “woodlands.”)
In October 1682, the younger William brought 360 settlers who believed in religious freedom and a fair government to form this 12th of the 13 English colonies.
Pennsylvania is the second state, after Delaware, to ratify the Constitution of the United States of America. At the time it was the most ethnically and religiously diverse of the thirteen States.
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American Independence, is located in Pennsylvania. The bell can be seen in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The bell was commissioned from London in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. The bell was rung at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
During the American Revolution, the Liberty Bell was moved from Philadelphia to Allentown. It was returned after the British evacuated Philadelphia. On the bell Pennsylvania is spelled with only one “n”. When the bell was created this was an acceptable form of spelling Pennsylvania.
On September 19, 1982, the first internet emoticon, the humble smiley, was invented at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh by Professor Dr. Scott Fahlman. Today, according to some estimate, more than 6 billion emoticons are sent every day
The Pennsylvania Packet and daily Advertiser was the nation’s first daily newspaper. It was published first on September 21, 1784.
The first piano in America was built by Johann Behrent in Philadelphia in 1775.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has the highest density of haunted houses and hence it is also considered one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.
The first computer in the world–The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer–was invented at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.
The first Zoo in the United States of America was opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 1, 1874.
The first public library was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731 in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is also the place where the first American Flag was sewn in 1777 by Betsy Ross.
In 1883, the City Hotel in Pennsylvania was the first building to be lit with Thomas Edison’s three-wire system.

Pennsylvania population and demographics

Planning a move to Pennsylvania? Get the inside scoop on what living in the Keystone State is truly all about—not just the stats.

Choosing a more populous state often brings you more job options, a lively entertainment scene, and better infrastructure. In contrast, moving to a less crowded state usually means a quieter life and a closer-knit community.

Checking out average education levels gives you a sense of local job opportunities and how easy it is to find schools or colleges nearby. Meanwhile, a state’s political landscape reveals what values and priorities matter most to people living there.

Learning about the people, daily life, and values in Pennsylvania can help you decide if it’s the right place for you to feel at home.

Metric	Pennsylvania
Population	12,961,683
Female	50.7%
Male	49.3%
College graduation rate	36.54%
Political leaning	Republican 51-49
Crime index	17.62

Pennsylvania weather

Weather plays a major role in daily life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Pennsylvania is right for you. Looking at seasonal temperatures and rainfall will help you plan outdoor activities, pick the right clothing, and stay prepared for whatever the forecast brings.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and leave you cranking the AC around the clock. When winter rolls in, you’ll want a warm wardrobe and reliable heating to stay comfortable. And when snow falls, you might get anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws your daily routine into chaos.

Curious about endless sunshine, refreshing cool breezes, or escaping snowy winters? Understanding Pennsylvania’s climate is key to figuring out if it matches your vibe.

Metric	Pennsylvania
Summer high	83ºF
Winter low	19ºF
Annual rain	44″
Annual snow	38″

Income and cost of living in Pennsylvania

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Pennsylvania.

For example, knowing which industries drive the economy can help you gauge job opportunities in your field or predict the stability of the job market. Whether you’re planning to rent or buy, housing costs are likely one of the biggest pieces of the financial puzzle for you when deciding if you should move.

The cost of living index ties it all together by showing how far your dollar will stretch compared to the national average. A lower index typically means everyday expenses like groceries, transportation, and housing are more affordable.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Pennsylvania and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Professional and business services ($101.8 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($95.7 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($95.4 billion)
Manufacturing ($91.5 billion)
Finance and insurance ($52.7 billion)
Information ($48.5 billion,)
Wholesale trade ($44.7 billion)
Retail trade ($37.1 billion)
Construction ($33.3 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($29.1 billion)

Metric	Pennsylvania
Average rent cost	$1,110
Average home cost	$268,824
Average income (per capita)	$73,170
Cost of living index*	99
Unemployment rate	3.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	3.07%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Pennsylvania

If education ranks high on your moving checklist, a state’s schools and universities can reveal a lot about local career opportunities and the overall community vibe.

If you’re thinking about heading back to school, have kids nearing graduation, or simply want to live somewhere with great educational opportunities, Pennsylvania is definitely worth a look.

Here are some of the top schools in Pennsylvania:

University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Carnegie Mellon University.
University of Pittsburgh
Temple University
Drexel University
Lehigh University
Swarthmore College
Villanova University
Bryn Mawr College
Bucknell University
Thomas Jefferson University
Duquesne University
Dickinson College
Lock Haven University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Pennsylvania

We sifted through 2,756 moving companies across the country, including 91 right here in Pennsylvania, and teamed up with actual movers and people like you to find the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Keystone State? Take a look at the best moving companies that’ll make sure your belongings arrive safely, wherever you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to Pennsylvania

Before making your move to Pennsylvania, it’s smart to plan for the costs involved. On average, expect to spend around $136 per hour for professional movers. Your final price will vary based on the amount you’re moving and the distance—cross-state treks cost more than local relocations.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

If you want to cut moving costs, check out one of the top moving container companies. You’ll get to pack and load your belongings whenever it works for you, while the company takes care of all the driving. It’s the perfect way to combine flexibility and savings—no need to go fully DIY or pay for an expensive full-service move.

Looking to cut costs? A moving truck rental is the cheapest route. You handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.

Want to skip the stress of moving on your own? Professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. But remember, this level of convenience usually comes with a bigger price tag—so be sure to shop around and compare quotes to find the best fit for your budget and your move.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Pennsylvania

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania car insurance requirements

If you’re moving to Pennsylvania, make sure you follow state rules by getting car insurance with at least these minimum limits: $15,000 for injury per person, $30,000 for total injuries per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. You might also want to add extra coverage like collision and comprehensive insurance. Always keep proof of insurance in your car.

Pennsylvania drivers license requirements

If you’re relocating to Pennsylvania, you must get a Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days of becoming a resident. You’ll need to show proof of identity and residency, and pass a written test, vision test, and road test. You might also have to give up your out-of-state license.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Pennsylvania?

Moving to Pennsylvania is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Pennsylvania is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Pennsylvania?

On the cost of living index, Pennsylvania has a score of 99. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?

The average income in PA is $73,170, and the an unemployment rate is 3.4. Home prices are $268,824, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,110.

What is the downside of living in Pennsylvania?

Like any place, Pennsylvania has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Keystone State include:

Harsh winter weather
Bad driving conditions
Nuclear power plants
Unpredictable weather
High taxes on gasoline

Pennsylvania Moving Resources

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