Moving from San Antonio, TX to Philadelphia, PA
It is 1745 mi and 31h 43m from San Antonio to Philadelphia — a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1745 mi · 31h 43m by car · PA → DE → MD → VA → TN → AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → DE → MD → VA → TN → AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Baltimore, Alexandria, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 8.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | San Antonio | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 50.7" |
Expect 11.3°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 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: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.36 |
Median household incomes in San Antonio ($62,917) and Philadelphia ($60,698) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Texas 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.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain 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 — 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.3°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
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from San Antonio 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 1745 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $62,917 in San Antonio — a 3.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between San Antonio and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 69.0°F in San Antonio (11.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 34.0 in.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 8.3% higher than San Antonio (102.554 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 1745 mi and the route typically takes 31h 43m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $249,810 in San Antonio — a 7.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX · Philadelphia, PA.