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Moving from Boston to Pennsylvania can feel exciting, especially since it’s about moving to a whole new state. But let’s be realistic here. A new state also means new challenges and confusion.
When you move to Pennsylvania, a lot of hassle is involved, making the entire process overwhelming for people. Often, people get mentally and physically exhausted during the interstate moving process. But that’s not the case when you move with the right planning and with the right movers.
In this blog post, we’ve broken down the details of moving to Pennsylvania from Boston, including living and moving costs, tips to know when relocating, and more. This will help you stay informed and plan better to make your move stress-free.
Boston to Pennsylvania Distance
The distance between Boston and Pennsylvania depends on the route of travel and your final destination. Depending on whether you want to go to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Harrisburg (the state capital), the distance will vary.
For the distance, we only considered two major cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Here is a quick look at the distance, depending on the mode of transport:
| Mode of transport | Distance (Boston to Philadelphia) | Distance (Boston to Pittsburgh) |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️By Air | ~280 miles | ~483 miles |
| 🚆By Train | ~312 miles | ~675 miles* |
| 🚗By Road | ~308 miles (via I-95) | ~570 miles (via I-90/I-80) |
| 🚌By Bus | ~315 miles | ~590 miles |
Note: The above-mentioned distance is based on the standard commercial route and is approximate. Air mileage highlights the direct flight path, while road and bus follow the I-95 corridor (Philadelphia) and the I-90/I-80 (Pittsburgh). Additionally, the rail distance to Pittsburgh is quite high.
How Long Does It Take to Move from Boston to Pennsylvania?
Usually, professional Boston to Pennsylvania movers take 1–2 days, depending on your destination and the size of your move. The city you move to also matters a lot, since the distance can be shorter or longer.
It’s important to consider that the complete relocation process involves more than just driving. Packing, unpacking, etc., can add more time. For instance, if you are opting for DIY, packing can take 2–5 days for typical households, and unpacking can take 2–7 days or more.
A lot of factors affect the moving timeline. These include:
- Weather conditions (winter months can slow down travel)
- Size of your home
- Moving season (peak moving season can mean longer wait times for moving companies in Boston)
- Road construction (if any)
- Weekend or highway traffic can add more delays
Tip: If you’re planning to move during the winter, our checklist for a winter move will help you stay prepared and ensure your move is smooth.
Cost of Living in Pennsylvania
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is generally 6% lower than the national average. The actual living cost can vary based on annual salary, expenditure behavior, career, the real estate market of that particular area, etc.
However, if we look at one analysis, the average expenses in Pennsylvania are $31,782. This reflects the minimum earnings needed to maintain a basic standard of living when moving from Boston to Pennsylvania.
Housing expenses are surprisingly 29% lower than the national average in Pennsylvania, whereas utilities are 22% higher. When it comes to travel expenses, Pennsylvania has 10% higher prices. Furthermore, food and health care costs are also comparatively lower.
Here is a quick breakdown of the cost of living in Pennsylvania:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Median home price | $379,172 |
| Median house rent | $1,138/month |
| Energy Bill | $265.42/month |
| Gas | $3.47/gallon |
| Health Care | $9,609 (annual) |
| Food (Non-restaurant) | $4,201 (annual) |
Note that personal expenditure can add more to this. The above-mentioned are the basic and mandatory expenses we’ve listed.
Cost of Living in Boston vs Pennsylvania (Quick Comparison)
When it comes to cost of living comparison between Boston, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, the primary difference lies in the utility and housing expenses. Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, whereas Pennsylvania has a diverse range. It can go from affordable to extreme, depending on which city you live in.
Overall, Pennsylvania is 28-38% cheaper compared to Boston.
If you choose Pennsylvania over Boston, you can save approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in rent or mortgage expenses alone. If you’re looking to move to Philadelphia, the living expenses can be similar to Boston, but still, overall, it goes 27% cheaper.
Here is a table of comparison between the basic cost of living in Pennsylvania and Boston. We’ve included the cost of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, too:
| Aspect | Boston, MA | Pennsylvania (State Average) | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent (2-BR) | $3,400 | $1,775 | $2,100 | $1,650 |
| Gasoline (per gal) | $3.13 | $3.25 | $3.18 | $3.15 |
| Avg. Energy Bill | $403 | $246 | $242 | $215 |
| Grocery index | 100 | 99 | 101.1 | 97 |
| Doctor Visit | $255 | $185 | $155 | $145 |
Sources: EnergySage, Apartments.com
Moving Cost From Boston to Pennsylvania
The exact moving cost from Boston to Pennsylvania depends on multiple factors, such as distance, the city you’re traveling to, the size of your move, and whether you’re going with a DIY move or going with a professional Boston moving company.
Typically, a three-bedroom home moving to Philadelphia can go between $4,300 – $4,600 (approximately). This includes transportation, loading, and unloading.
A two-bedroom, on the other hand, can go from $4,000 to $4,300. Similarly, if you’re moving to Pittsburgh, expect to pay 15-20% more since the distance is higher.
However, the exact cost will vary, and it’s always a wise choice to get multiple quotations from the best Boston movers and packers.
Why Living in Pennsylvania Is Worth It (Perks You Enjoy)
Living in Pennsylvania has more perks than just being in a historically and culturally rich state. Here are some of the perks that families and everyone can enjoy in Pennsylvania.
You Get to Enjoy Four Seasons Without Harsh Extremes
In Pennsylvania, you enjoy true seasonal variety, unlike Boston’s brutal winter winds and summer humidity. The changing leaves during the fall are often compared to New England, especially in the Laurel Highlands and the Poconos. In Pennsylvania, winters are milder, meaning there is less snow accumulation in the southeastern regions.
Furthermore, the Spring comes earlier, and summers are quite warm but also comfortable enough to go on about your day without suffering.
Career Opportunities In Multiple Industries
Pennsylvania’s job market is growing and is also diverse. Pittsburgh has transformed into a tech hub with numerous startups, including Uber and Google. Additionally, Philadelphia’s healthcare and biotech sectors compete with those of Boston’s companies.
Overall, Pennsylvania offers multiple opportunities in manufacturing, energy, finance, and even education. The salary also remains competitive, with the average wage in Pennsylvania being $1.2k per week. This means your purchasing power increases significantly.
Improved Finance
Affordability in Pennsylvania is beyond just paying cheaper rent. The entire financial aspect changes when you stay in this state. Rather than living paycheck to paycheck, you can actually save up money every month. Here, owning a home feels more realistic than just a dream.
Furthermore, the lower income tax rate of 3.07% makes it easier to save up more money every month.
Excellent Family-Friendly Communities and Education
Pennsylvania has a strong public school system, especially in Lower Merion, Mt. Lebanon, and Tredyffrin/Easttown (suburban districts). The state has some of the prestigious universities, including Carnegie Mellon, Penn State University of Pittsburgh. So, if you’re moving with children, the education system should be crossed off your list.
Similarly, there are plenty of family-oriented neighborhoods with safe parks, community events, etc. Childcare in Pennsylvania is typically 30-40% lower compared to Boston.
Tips for Relocating to Pennsylvania From Boston
Before you actually move to Pennsylvania, here are some of the tips from our expert Boston movers that will make the process easier.
Final Thoughts
Moving from Boston to Pennsylvania can bring multiple benefits, including lower taxes. When you move interstate, it’s important to be patient and be cautious about all the steps. Knowing the average cost, timelines, what to expect, etc., keeps you on the safer side and avoids surprises.
With the right moving company, the moving process becomes much easier. At 617 Boston Movers, we don’t just move your stuff. We make sure your moving process actually goes smoothly, wherein our expert team of professional movers takes full responsibility, so you can focus on your planning.
Get your free quote today, no commitment needed, or call us at (617) 208-4040 to talk to our team.
