Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Philadelphia, PA
It is 1036 mi between Palm Bay and Philadelphia β roughly 19h 34m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1036 mi Β· 19h 34m by car Β· PA β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β DE β MD β DC β VA β NC β SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 295, I 395 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Richmond, Raleigh, Fayetteville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.005 vs 102.554 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $302,461 to $231,815 moving to Philadelphia.
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 50.7" |
Annual temperature drops 14.9Β°F moving to Philadelphia per NOAA normals.
Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.36 |
Households in Philadelphia earn about 2.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Florida 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.9Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 2.5% higher than Palm Bay (102.554 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 23.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 1036 mi and the route typically takes 19h 34m via I 95 and I 295. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1036 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Philadelphia, PA.