Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Irvine, CA

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs Irvine, CA

Pennsylvania Irvine
Average rent cost $1,110 $4,000
Average home value $268,824 $1,561,760
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $114,027
Unemployment rate 3% 5%
State income tax 3% 13%
  • Rent is about 260% more expensive in Irvine than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 481% higher in Irvine than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 56% higher in Irvine than in Pennsylvania.
  • Irvine has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 59%.
  • Income taxes are 333% higher in Irvine than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Irvine from Pennsylvania

Irvine Pennsylvania
Population 307,670 12,961,683
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 51-49
Summer high 82ºF 83ºF
Winter low 46ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 13" 44"
Annual snow 0" 38"
Crime index 31.01 17.62
  • The population of Irvine is approximately 98% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Irvine voted Democratic and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Irvine is 82ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Irvine reaches the temperature of 46ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 13 inches of annual rainfall in Irvine vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Irvine, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Irvine has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 31.01 vs 17.62.

Things to do in Irvine

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

Museums in Irvinetoggle

  • Pretend City Children's Museum
  • Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art
  • Museum of Woman

Parks in Irvinetoggle

  • Orange County Great Park
  • Adventure Playground
  • William R. Mason Regional Park
  • Turtle Rock Community Park
  • Jeffrey Open Space Trail
  • Heritage Park,City of Irvine

Universities in Irvinetoggle

  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Southern University
  • Concordia University
  • Westcliff University
  • Irvine Valley College
  • Fuller Theological Seminary
  • The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
  • Orange County Campus
  • Stanbridge University

Other considerations when moving to Irvine, CA

  • Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Irvine take?

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to Irvine, CA, 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 Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine?

Because of the 2603-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to Irvine 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 Irvine, CA?

With the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to Irvine 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 Irvine during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources