Moving from Cambridge, MA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving from Cambridge, MA to Philadelphia, PA covers 298 mi and about 6h 22m by car through 5 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
298 mi Β· 6h 22m by car Β· PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 90, CT 15 |
| Major cities en route | Elizabeth, New York, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Philadelphia is 5.3% cheaper than Cambridge overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Philadelphia is 5.3% below Cambridge β $1,041,569 vs $231,815 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 50.7" |
Philadelphia runs 6.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (51.2Β°F vs 57.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 5.3% below Cambridge ($126,469 vs $60,698, 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 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 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.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β 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 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 much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 77.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 298 mi and the route typically takes 6h 22m via I 95 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 298 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 5.3% lower than Cambridge (102.554 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 52.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Philadelphia, PA.