Moving from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Relocating between New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA is a 93 mi drive — 2h 10m 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.
93 mi · 2h 10m by car · NY → NJ → PA
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, NJTP, I 278 |
| Major cities en route | Yonkers, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New York | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.9% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Philadelphia at 102.554 vs New York at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $812,861 to $231,815 moving to Philadelphia.
YoY change: New York +4.5%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 85°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 24.5" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.1" | 50.7" |
Annual average temperatures in New York (55.5°F) and Philadelphia (57.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NY AVE V BROOKLYN, NY US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New York | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,516,202 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $79,713 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 38 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.6% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.9% — $79,713 → $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 New York 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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 — 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 — 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
Is Philadelphia more expensive than New York?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 8.9% lower than New York (102.554 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from New York, NY?
The driving distance is 93 mi and the route typically takes 2h 10m via I 95 and NJTP. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in New York vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $79,713 in New York — a 23.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to New York?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $59,390 in the New York MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from New York to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 93 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between New York and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 55.5°F in New York (2.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 24.5 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 47.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to New York?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $812,861 in New York — a 71.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New York.
City profiles: New York, NY · Philadelphia, PA.