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 MAMoving to Massachusetts|Pennsylvania → Massachusetts
Relocating from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts: The Lifestyle Shift Nobody Prepares For
Swapping the rolling hills of Pennsylvania for the rocky coastlines of Massachusetts comes with more than a change of scenery. Both states carry deep historical roots and a strong sense of regional pride, but the day to day realities of living in each place differ more than most people expect. Pennsylvania's affordable housing markets and slower suburban pace give way to Massachusetts' dense urban energy, higher costs, and notoriously competitive real estate. The winters get no gentler, but the culture, commute, and cost of living all shift in ways that can catch even well prepared movers off guard. Our Snappy Scout team (Alyssa & Candice) dug into the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you should expect before you start loading the truck.
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DIY Move: How Far Is the Move from Pennsylvania to MA?
Average distance
350miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-90 E (Massachusetts Turnpike)
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Philadelphia, PA → Boston, MA
~300 miles
Pittsburgh, PA → Boston, MA
~600 miles
Allentown, PA → Springfield, MA
~250 miles
Harrisburg, PA → Worcester, MA
~350 miles
Scranton, PA → Boston, MA
~300 miles
Should You Move From Pennsylvania to Massachusetts Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Massachusetts 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.
Your Honest Pennsylvania to MA Moving Cost Breakdown
Moving 350 miles from Pennsylvania to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $5,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$5,000.00
Expected Time
2–9days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,390.00
1 Bedroom
$2,060.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,390.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,910.00
4 Bedrooms
$7,070.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,860.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,390.00 | 300 | $4.63 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,060.00 | 450 | $4.58 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,390.00 | 750 | $4.52 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,910.00 | 1,100 | $4.46 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,070.00 | 1,600 | $4.42 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,860.00 | 1,800 | $4.37 |
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.
That's the average.
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Is Relocating from Pennsylvania to MA Right for You?
Well, it depends. If you're a Surfer Dude, Binge Shopper, or Yoga Instructor, you'll thrive in your move to Massachusetts. But if you're more of a Cowboy, Retired Military, or DIYer, 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 Massachusetts.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from PA to MA
Surfing
Pennsylvania
2.5
/10
Massachusetts
5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Lake Erie wind swells appear, but steady surf? Not here
Massachusetts
Gaining
Waves exist at Marconi Beach, not California quality though.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Surfer Dudes
NantucketCape Cod
Pennsylvania
2.5
/10
Massachusetts
5
/10
Shopping
Pennsylvania
4.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
KOP Mall slays, Walnut Street dazzles, but no Fifth Avenue
Massachusetts
Gaining
Newbury Street boutiques and Burlington Mall sprees.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
BostonBurlington
Pennsylvania
4.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Yoga
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
8.5
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Schuylkill sunset flows, Delaware Canal zen, Morris Arboretum calm
Massachusetts
Gaining
Wellness culture strong, studios on every corner.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Yoga Instructors
CambridgeBrooklineNorthampton
Pennsylvania
6.5
/10
Massachusetts
8.5
/10
Cowboys
Pennsylvania
5
/10
Massachusetts
3
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Bloomsburg Fair and rodeos exist, but this is not Fort Worth
Massachusetts
Gaining
Some farms exist, but no rodeos or true range.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Cowboys
Western Mass
Pennsylvania
5
/10
Massachusetts
3
/10
Military Culture
Pennsylvania
6
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Army War College nearby, strong VA networks in Philly
Massachusetts
Gaining
VA services solid, but fewer bases than elsewhere.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Retired Militaries
SpringfieldBoston
Pennsylvania
6
/10
Massachusetts
4
/10
DIYers
Pennsylvania
7
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Pennsylvania
Giving up
Construction Junction treasures, Lancaster barns beg creative rehabs
Massachusetts
Gaining
Affordable fixers, creative warehouse spaces available.
Recommended MA cities/areas for DIYers
WorcesterLowell
Pennsylvania
7
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Massachusetts?
This is a tough one, but I have to fall back to the annual voyage to the Cape. This is a pretty standard trip for folks every summer. And no matter which route you choose, you'll be sure to sit in heavy traffic. But it's the quintessential road trip. Plenty of time to enjoy your best CDs and snacks along the way.
– Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Pennsylvania and living in Massachusetts
PennsylvaniaMassachusetts
From Pennsylvania to MA: How the Food Scene Shifts
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 Massachusetts
We have some really fabulous local ethnic restaurants. Any type of food you desire, you're sure to find it. From Cambodian, Ghanaian, to Brazilian, you'll find some excellent dishes to try. Grab a pupusa from a Salvadorean spot. It's cheap and delish!
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertMassachusetts looking like
the right move?
There’s one more number worth knowing: what it’ll cost to get there.
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Your Tax Return in MA vs Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
PennsylvaniavsMassachusetts
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Pennsylvania
Flat 3.07% statewide, plus local EIT, Philly wage tax notable
VS
Massachusetts
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Property Taxes
Property TaxesHigh in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Pennsylvania
High in Philly suburbs (Montco, Bucks), moderate Pittsburgh region, lower rural counties
VS
Massachusetts
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Moving from Pennsylvania to MA: The Cultural, Political, & Religious Reality
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
PennsylvaniavsMassachusetts
People
PeopleGritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Pennsylvania
Gritty, neighborly, sports obsessed, Philly Pittsburgh rivalry, small town polite, big city direct
VS
Massachusetts
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Politics
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Pennsylvania
Classic swing state: Philly and Pittsburgh blue, central and northern counties red, suburbs purple
VS
Massachusetts
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Pennsylvania
Mostly Christian, large Catholic share, notable Jewish communities, growing Muslim and Hindu, rising unaffiliated
VS
Massachusetts
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
From Pennsylvania to MA: How the Seasons Shift
SUMMER
Pennsylvania
Philly subway sauna vibes (sticky 90s with humidity that makes it feel like 100°). The mountain evenings are merciful in the Poconos.
Massachusetts
sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)
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.
Massachusetts
layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts
Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.
Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.
Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.
Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local Expert✧ You've researched the move ✧
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Next Steps
Learn More About Moving to Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Massachusetts local experts.
Moving toBoston
Prep Your Wallet and Drop Your R's
