Planning your move to the Coal State? You’re not alone! More than 263,000 people are moving to Pennsylvania annually, pushing the state’s population to over 12.9 million in 2024.
Companies are also moving to PA. The Coal State is projected to see a 5% employment rate by 2030, indicating a strong economy and a robust job market. Pennsylvania’s cost of living is $4,086/mo, and the state’s flat income tax of 3.07% appeals to potential movers, too.
3 Reasons to Move to Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to PA:
| # | Reasons to Move to PA | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Pennsylvania is 4% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Coal State is home to 23 Fortune 500 Companies. |
| 3. | Education | Pennsylvania is home to renowned educational institutes like the The Hill School and the University of Pennsylvania. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is 4% below the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of basic living expenses in Pennsylvania Metros:
| Metro | Home Price | Home Renting/mo | Public Transport/mo | Utilities/mo | Food/mo |
| Philadelphia | $274,975 | $1,910 | $96.0 | $255.55 | $694 |
| Pittsburg | $273,500 | $1,562 | $97.5 | $228.15 | $627 |
| Allentown | $239,500 | $1,591 | $60.0 | $153.0 | $609 |
| Hanover | $400,000 | $2,412 | $57.4 | $188.73 | $722 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Pennsylvania is home to 23 Fortune 500 companies and
- Healthcare: Employment in the healthcare sector is projected to increase by 15.4% by 2032. Major healthcare institutions like UPMC and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are leading employers. Jobs in this sector, such as nurses and medical technicians, draw salaries between $45,000 and $85,000.
- Technology: The tech industry is expanding quickly, with high demand for jobs in software development and cybersecurity. Companies like Comcast and SAP are top employers. Tech jobs like software engineers earn between $85,000 and $120,000 a year.
- Financial Services: Pennsylvania, especially in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, has a robust financial services sector. PNC Financial Services, headquartered in Pittsburgh, and other financial institutions like Vanguard offer jobs in banking, financial management, and fintech.
- Professional Services: Professional and business services, including legal, accounting, and consulting roles, are also growing. These jobs often come with higher salaries, typically ranging from $54,000 to $110,00.
3. Education and Schools
Pennsylvania serves over 1.7 million students across 500 school districts. The state provides multiple schooling options including:
- Public Schools: Pennsylvania has over 3,287 public schools, offering a variety of programs to support student achievement. Philadelphia School District the largest in the state, offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and extracurricular programs.
- Magnet and Charter Schools: PA has over 179 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free and are a good alternative to traditional public schools. Schools such as Masterman School in Philadelphia are one of the best in the state.
- Private Schools: Pennsylvania is home to more than 3,000 private schools, offering personalized attention and small class sizes. The average tuition is around $12,359 per year. Top private institutions include Germantown Academy, The Hill School, and The Haverford School.
- Higher Education: PA has a robust higher education system with 14 public universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). It’s also home to well-known private schools like the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University.
Cost of Moving to Pennsylvania 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to PA:
1. Moving Costs ~ $473 and $4,220
Moving to Pennsylvania involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Pennsylvania movers typically cost $128 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Pennsylvania.
2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Pennsylvania.
- When relocating to Pennsylvania, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in PA is around $357/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Pennsylvania. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in PA is $45. A standard title transfer costs around $67.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Coal State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburg, and Scranton the average rent ranges between $1,000 and $2000.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Pennsylvania in your budget. In cities like Chesterbrook, the median home price is $455K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Scranton is $193K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Pennsylvania ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to PA, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Pennsylvania neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
