Moving from Worcester, MA to Philadelphia, PA
The 264 mi from Worcester to Philadelphia translate to about 5h 41m behind the wheel through 5 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
264 mi · 5h 41m by car · PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NJ → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, CT 15, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, Newark, Jersey City, New York, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Philadelphia and Worcester is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Philadelphia is 0.0% below Worcester — $430,112 vs $231,815 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 50.7" |
Climate warms by 9.6°F on the annual average — 48.1°F → 57.7°F.
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: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.36 |
Income steps down 0.0%: $67,544 in Worcester vs $60,698 in Philadelphia.
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 Massachusetts 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
- 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
- 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
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 46.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 264 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 48.1°F in Worcester (9.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 48.3 in.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 264 mi and the route typically takes 5h 41m via I 95 and CT 15. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Philadelphia, PA.