Moving from Cleveland, OH to Philadelphia, PA
Relocating between Cleveland, OH and Philadelphia, PA is a 429 mi drive β 8h 4m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
429 mi Β· 8h 4m by car Β· PA β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, PATP, I 480 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.2% above Cleveland β 93.923 β 102.554 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 50.7" |
Expect 5.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.2% β $39,187 β $60,698 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 429 mi and the route typically takes 8h 4m via I 76 and PATP. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 54.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 100.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 9.2% higher than Cleveland (102.554 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 429 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Philadelphia, PA.