Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Mesa, AZ

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Mesa, AZ

Pennsylvania Mesa
Average rent cost $1,110 $1,786
Average home value $268,824 $432,892
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $64,524
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 3% 3%
  • Rent is about 61% more expensive in Mesa than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 61% higher in Mesa than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 12% lower in Mesa than in Pennsylvania.
  • Mesa has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 79%.
  • Income taxes are 19% lower in Mesa than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Mesa from Pennsylvania

Mesa Pennsylvania
Population 504,258 12,961,683
Political leaning Republican 52-48 Republican 51-49
Summer high 105ºF 83ºF
Winter low 40ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 10" 44"
Annual snow 0" 38"
Crime index 44.67 17.62
  • The population of Mesa is approximately 96% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Mesa voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Mesa is 105ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Mesa reaches the temperature of 40ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 10 inches of annual rainfall in Mesa vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Mesa, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Mesa has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 44.67 vs 17.62.

Things to do in Mesa

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Mesa.

Museums in Mesatoggle

  • Commemorative Air Force Museum
  • Arizona Museum of Natural History
  • Mesa Arts Center
  • i.d.e.a. Museum
  • Mesa Historical Museum

Parks in Mesatoggle

  • Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
  • Freestone Park
  • Riverview Park
  • Pioneer Park

Universities in Mesatoggle

  • Mesa Community College,
  • Polytechnic campus of Arizona State University
  • A. T. Still University: Osteopathic Medical School
  • CAE Global Academy Phoenix
  • Albright College
  • Westminster College
  • Benedictine University
  • Upper Iowa University
  • Wilkes University

Other considerations when moving to Mesa, AZ

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arizona. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Pennsylvania vs. Mesa, AZ

Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Mesa, AZ:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Pennsylvania vs Mesa side-by-side.

Pros of living in Pennsylvania Pros of living in Mesa, AZ
Low cost of living Bountiful outdoor activities
Abundant fun and recreational activities Beautiful nature
Beautiful landscapes Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Safe
Excellent education options Abundant food options

Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Mesa, AZ:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for Mesa.

Cons of living in Pennsylvania Cons of living in Mesa, AZ
Harsh winter weather Terrible traffic
Bad driving conditions Tourists
Nuclear power plants Hot summers
Unpredictable weather Low wages

FAQ

How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Mesa take?

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Mesa, AZ, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to Mesa will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Mesa from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Mesa?

Because of the 2238-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Mesa as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Mesa, AZ?

With the summer highs of 105ºF and the winter lows of 40ºF, most people move to Mesa from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Mesa during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources