Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA
Relocating between Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA is a 303 mi drive — 6h 28m 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.
303 mi · 6h 28m by car · PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 90, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, New York, Jersey City, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Philadelphia | Boston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.554 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 114.389 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.833 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.141 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Boston runs about 5.6% more expensive overall than Philadelphia — RPP 102.554 → 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $231,815 in Philadelphia to $798,217 in Boston, a 5.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Philadelphia +2.0%, Boston -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Philadelphia | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.1" | 49.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.7" | 43.6" |
Expect 5.8°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boston sees 49.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US, BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Philadelphia | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,582,432 | 663,972 |
| Median household income | $60,698 | $94,755 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 33.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 28.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.38 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.6% — $60,698 → $94,755 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Boston averages 49.2 in annually vs 16.1 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Boston more expensive than Philadelphia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boston is 5.6% higher than Philadelphia (108.266 vs 102.554, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Boston?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 303 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Boston, MA from Philadelphia, PA?
The driving distance is 303 mi and the route typically takes 6h 28m via I 95 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Boston compared to Philadelphia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $798,217 in Boston vs $231,815 in Philadelphia — a 244.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Philadelphia vs Boston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $94,755 in Boston vs $60,698 in Philadelphia — a 56.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Philadelphia and Boston?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.9°F in Boston vs 57.7°F in Philadelphia (5.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 49.2 in vs 16.1 in. Annual precipitation: 43.6 in vs 50.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Philadelphia.
City profiles: Philadelphia, PA · Boston, MA.