Moving from Syracuse, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving from Syracuse, NY to Philadelphia, PA covers 253 mi and about 5h 1m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
253 mi · 5h 1m by car · PA → NY
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 476, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Allentown |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 95.742 in Syracuse to 102.554 in Philadelphia, a 7.1% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Philadelphia at $231,815 is 7.1% above Syracuse at $210,251.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Syracuse | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 50.7" |
Philadelphia runs 9.2°F warmer on the annual average (48.5°F vs 57.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Philadelphia is 7.1% above Syracuse ($45,845 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 New York 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
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 7.1% higher than Syracuse (102.554 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $45,845 in Syracuse — a 32.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Syracuse and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 48.5°F in Syracuse (9.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 127.8 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 39.9 in.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse 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 253 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $210,251 in Syracuse — a 10.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 253 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via I 81 and I 476. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY · Philadelphia, PA.