Pennsylvania Local Expert
Alyssa Kruse
“I’m a PA lifer who has moved so often I’ve learned to never give away boxes after a move. After…”
Read more about me
JourneysMoving Journeys|From PAMoving from Pennsylvania|To FLMoving to Florida|Pennsylvania → Florida
From Pennsylvania to Florida: Was It Worth It?
Trading cold winters and changing seasons for year-round sunshine seems like an obvious upgrade, but the move from Pennsylvania to Florida brings more surprises than most people anticipate. The Keystone State built its character around tight-knit boroughs, four distinct seasons, and a slower, community-rooted pace of life. Florida, on the other hand, pulls you toward coastal living, sweltering summers, and a transient energy that feels nothing like the neighborhoods you left behind. Our Snappy Scout team (Alyssa & Vanessa) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you need to understand before loading up that moving truck.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
Considering a DIY Move from Pennsylvania to FL?
Average distance
1,100miles
Typical route
The drive from Pennsylvania to Florida typically takes you along I-95 South as the primary corridor, with I-85 South and I-75 South serving as common alternatives depending on your origin and destination cities.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Philadelphia, PA → Miami, FL
~1250 miles
Pittsburgh, PA → Orlando, FL
~1100 miles
Philadelphia, PA → Tampa, FL
~1100 miles
Allentown, PA → Jacksonville, FL
~950 miles
Harrisburg, PA → Fort Lauderdale, FL
~1200 miles
Should You Move From Pennsylvania to Florida Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Florida from Pennsylvania 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.
Breaking Down the Cost of a Pennsylvania to FL Cross-State Move
Moving 1,100 miles from Pennsylvania to Florida 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
$1,080.00
1 Bedroom
$1,590.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,610.00
3 Bedrooms
$3,770.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$5,990.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,080.00 | 300 | $3.6 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,590.00 | 450 | $3.53 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,610.00 | 750 | $3.48 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,770.00 | 1,100 | $3.43 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,400.00 | 1,600 | $3.38 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $5,990.00 | 1,800 | $3.33 |
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.
What Happens to Your Life When You Move from Pennsylvania to FL?
Well, it depends. If you're a Surfer Dude, Binge Shopper, or Cowboy, you'll thrive in your move to Florida. But if you're more of a Vintage Thrifter, Stay at Home Mom, or Coffee Snob, 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 Pennsylvania to Florida.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from PA to FL
Surfing
Pennsylvania
2.5
/10
Florida
9
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Lake Erie wind swells appear, but steady surf? Not here
Florida
Gaining
Ron Jon Surf Shop was practically built for you
Recommended FL cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
Cocoa BeachNew Smyrna Beach
Pennsylvania
2.5
/10
Florida
9
/10
Shopping
Pennsylvania
4.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
KOP Mall slays, Walnut Street dazzles, but no Fifth Avenue
Florida
Gaining
Outlet heaven, but your credit card might melt in the sun.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
OrlandoAventuraPalm Beach
Pennsylvania
4.5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Cowboys
Pennsylvania
5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Bloomsburg Fair and rodeos exist, but this is not Fort Worth
Florida
Gaining
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Cowboys
OkeechobeeKissimmeeOcala
Pennsylvania
5
/10
Florida
6.5
/10
Thrifting
Pennsylvania
8
/10
Florida
5.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Strip District finds, South Street racks, Neighborhood Flea weekends
Florida
Gaining
Retro Florida flair hides in antique shops and swap meets.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Vintage Thrifters
St. AugustineSarasotaDelray Beach
Pennsylvania
8
/10
Florida
5.5
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Parks, library storytimes, Kennywood days, and Wawa bribery
Florida
Gaining
Great schools and sunshine, but theme park chaos looms close.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
WellingtonWestonWindermere
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Florida
4.5
/10
Coffee Culture
Pennsylvania
8.5
/10
Florida
7
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
La Colombe flagship, Commonplace roasts, Elixr latte art, Homestead Roasters, Backyard Beans
Florida
Gaining
Cuban espresso rules, but the third-wave scene’s still brewing.
Recommended FL cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
Pennsylvania
8.5
/10
Florida
7
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Florida?
All the festivals and outdoor events! That's why I moved here. I wanted to get outside more, and this state caters to that perfectly. No matter what city you're in, rest assured every weekend there is some big market, festival, event, sports club, or other attraction happening somewhere near you (or a short-ish drive away), all year long.
– Vanessa Leikvoll
Florida Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Pennsylvania and living in Florida
PennsylvaniaFlorida
How the Way Locals Eat Looks Between Pennsylvania and FL
Eating 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 ExpertEating 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 ExpertThe Definitive Tax Change of Moving to FL from Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Florida
PennsylvaniavsFlorida
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Pennsylvania
Flat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
VS
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHigh in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Pennsylvania
High in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
VS
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
What Looks Different About Culture, Politics, & Faith When You Move to FL from Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Florida
PennsylvaniavsFlorida
People
PeopleGritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Pennsylvania
Gritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
VS
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Politics
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Pennsylvania
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
VS
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Pennsylvania
Mostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
VS
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
The Seasonal Change Between Pennsylvania and FL
SUMMER
Pennsylvania
Philly subway sauna vibes (sticky 90s with humidity that makes it feel like 100°). The mountain evenings are merciful in the Poconos.
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
WINTER
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.
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Florida
I personally love the holiday season in Florida. No matter where in the state you are, every city seems to go all-out with its decorations, lights, festivities, and holiday markets. Everyone thinks Florida is just year-long summer vibes, but we sure know how to put on our holiday best.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Florida
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 Pennsylvania, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Florida. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Florida local experts.
Moving toSt. Petersburg
Glow Shuffle, IPAs, HOAs, Flood Maps
