Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“She fosters dogs but answers to the two parakeets who clearly run her house.”
See full bio
JourneysMoving Journeys|From FLMoving from Florida|To PAMoving to Pennsylvania|Florida → Pennsylvania
From Florida to Pennsylvania: Culture Shock You Should Expect
Trading sunshine and salt air for four true seasons is a bigger adjustment than most Florida residents anticipate before the moving trucks arrive. Pennsylvania brings charming brick row homes, colorful fall foliage, and a cost of living that can feel like a welcome relief compared to Florida's rising housing prices, but the winters alone are enough to make even the most seasoned transplant reconsider their wardrobe. Snow tires, heating bills, and the sudden absence of year round beach access are just a few of the realities waiting on the other side of this move. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Alyssa) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should expect before you start wrapping the first piece of furniture.
Who's Behind This Guide
How Far Is FL from PA, Really?
Average distance
1,150miles
Typical route
The drive from Florida to Pennsylvania typically takes you along I-95 North through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland before entering Pennsylvania, or via I-75 North connecting to I-81 North through the Appalachian region.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Philadelphia, PA
~1300 miles
Orlando, FL → Philadelphia, PA
~1100 miles
Tampa, FL → Pittsburgh, PA
~1100 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Philadelphia, PA
~950 miles
Fort Lauderdale, FL → Allentown, PA
~1300 miles
Should You Move From Florida to Pennsylvania Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Pennsylvania from Florida is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
The Full Cost of a FL to PA Long-Distance Move
Moving 1,150 miles from Florida to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,000.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,070.00
1 Bedroom
$1,580.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,600.00
3 Bedrooms
$3,760.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,390.00
5+ Bedrooms
$5,980.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,070.00 | 300 | $3.57 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,580.00 | 450 | $3.51 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,600.00 | 750 | $3.47 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,760.00 | 1,100 | $3.42 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,390.00 | 1,600 | $3.37 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $5,980.00 | 1,800 | $3.32 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Who Should Consider the Move from FL to PA?
Well, it depends. If you're a Hipster, Garden Club Lifetime Member, or Tech Bro, you'll thrive in your move to Pennsylvania. But if you're more of a Beach Bum, Retired Snowbird, or Yoga Instructor, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Florida to Pennsylvania.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to PA
Hipsters
Florida
5
/10
Pennsylvania
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Art murals pop, but ironic beards wilt in the humidity.
Pennsylvania
Gaining
La Colombe, Johnny Brenda's, Mr. Smalls shows set tone
Recommended PA cities/areas for Hipsters
FishtownLawrencevilleSouth SideNew Hope
Florida
5
/10
Pennsylvania
8.5
/10
Gardener
Florida
5
/10
Pennsylvania
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Tropical plants thrive (sorry, not in the panhandle), but summer heat wilts your patience.
Pennsylvania
Gaining
Longwood Gardens glam, Phipps Conservatory blooms year round
Recommended PA cities/areas for Garden Club Lifetime Members
Kennett SquarePittsburgh
Florida
5
/10
Pennsylvania
7
/10
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
Pennsylvania
5.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
Pennsylvania
Gaining
CMU robotics, Argo AI alumni, uCity Square startups buzzing
Recommended PA cities/areas for Tech Bros
PittsburghPhiladelphia
Florida
3.5
/10
Pennsylvania
5.5
/10
Beach Culture
Florida
10
/10
Pennsylvania
3
/10
Florida
Giving up
Year-round surf, sand, and Margaritaville moods everywhere you go.
Pennsylvania
Gaining
Presque Isle beaches shine, but ocean boardwalk dreams wait Jersey
Recommended PA cities/areas for Beach Bums
Erie
Florida
10
/10
Pennsylvania
3
/10
Snowbirds
Florida
9.5
/10
Pennsylvania
3.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
Pennsylvania
Gaining
Dutch Country charm, Hersheypark grandkids bait, but winters bite hard
Recommended PA cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
LancasterHershey
Florida
9.5
/10
Pennsylvania
3.5
/10
Yoga
Florida
8.5
/10
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Beach sunrise flows to start the day. You don't need an indoor gym for hot yoga!
Pennsylvania
Gaining
Schuylkill sunset flows, Delaware Canal zen, Morris Arboretum calm
Recommended PA cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
PhiladelphiaNew Hope
Florida
8.5
/10
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Pennsylvania?
Walking through a farmer's market filled with local vendors selling everything from fresh-picked sweet corn and homemade muffins to vintage records and found art represents the diverse communities in PA.
– Alyssa Kruse
Pennsylvania Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in Pennsylvania
FloridaPennsylvania
How People Really Eat in FL and PA
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Pennsylvania
To order a cheesesteak:
1. Pick your cheese: Whiz, prov, or American (Cooper Sharp is the best)
2. "Wit" or "Witout": do you want fried onions or not (you do!)
3. Move it. You're probably double-parked!
Alyssa KrusePennsylvania Local ExpertIs PA a More Affordable State for Your Tax Situation?
Florida
Pennsylvania
FloridavsPennsylvania
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Flat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
Pennsylvania
Flat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
High in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
Pennsylvania
High in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
The People, Politics, & Religion Breakdown Between FL and PA
Florida
Pennsylvania
FloridavsPennsylvania
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Gritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
Pennsylvania
Gritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
Pennsylvania
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Mostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
Pennsylvania
Mostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
Two Locals, Two States: Climate in FL and PA
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
Pennsylvania
Philly subway sauna vibes (sticky 90s with humidity that makes it feel like 100°). The mountain evenings are merciful in the Poconos.
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
Pennsylvania
choose your own chill. Lake Erie flurries can go blizzard mode, Philly gets slush usually right after you shovel, and the Poconos snow pack gets real cold.
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Pennsylvania
Winter: The smell of snow on the air. Warm cozy fires. Christkindle Markets.
Spring: Blooming daffodils and tulips. Hiking through the waking woods. Rainy days, reading inside.
Summer: Farmer's markets, outdoor music, small town art shows, festivals every weekend.
Fall: Gorgeous foliage, coffeehouse tours, Halloween parades
Alyssa KrusePennsylvania Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Pennsylvania
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Florida, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Pennsylvania. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Pennsylvania local experts.
