There’s a lot to think about when moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada. From differences in the cost of living to insurance premiums along with getting over to the Pennsylvania DMV to transfer your Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration, you’ll want to do some budgeting and planning before you make the move.
Relocalate.com has done the heavy lifting for you. Our expert researchers have compiled the key things you need to know when moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada. Find out what you can expect to pay in federal and Pennsylvania state taxes, whether you’ll be spending more or less in key cost of living categories, and how long you’ll have to get a new driver’s license and car registration. Plus, you can even get a head start on saving the most money when you move by comparing free quotes for health coverage, car insurance, home/renters insurance, and more.
License & Registration
Transfer your Nevada driver’s license to Pennsylvania within 60 days.
Transfer your vehicles & get Pennsylvania license plates within 20 days.
On this page, you’ll be able to:
- See how the cost of living compares for Pennsylvania and Nevada.
- Estimate how much more or less you can expect to pay in state and federal income taxes after you move to Pennsylvania.
- Find out what to expect when it comes to Pennsylvania property taxes, buying a home, and home insurance premiums.
- Learn whether you’ll be able to save some money or have to spend a little more in key cost of living categories including groceries, transportation, housing, and healthcare.
- Find out what you’ll need to do with the Pennsylvania DMV to transfer your Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration. (And how long you’ll have to do it.)
- Estimate how much it will cost to move from Nevada to Pennsylvania.
- BONUS: Start saving money today by comparing free quotes for all your new insurance policies in Pennsylvania.
Moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada Checklist
- 1. Estimate the cost of the move.
- 2. Update your insurance policies.
- 3. Be prepared to transfer your Nevada license & registration to Pennsylvania.
- 4. Budget and prepare for cost of living changes.
- 5. Change your address and forward your mail through USPS.
- 6. Register to vote.
- 7. Update your new address with your banks, loans, and other accounts.
- 8. Set up your utilities and services at your new home.
Find some more tips and to-dos for Moving to Pennsylvania here.
Cost of Moving from Nevada to Pennsylvania
Unfortunately moving can be expensive. Moving to a brand new state usually comes with some extra costs.
Use this moving cost calculator to get a rough idea of how much your move from Nevada to Pennsylvania will cost.
The rough distance between Pennsylvania and Nevada is 2,038 miles. We’ll use that for our calculations. Select the size of your home that you’ll be moving to get an idea of the costs.
Moving Cost Calculator: Nevada to Pennsylvania
Remember, this is just a rough estimate. The cost of your move will vary depending on the company you choose, your belongings, and other circumstances.
Update Your Insurance Policies for Coverage in Pennsylvania
Don’t wait! Update your car insurance coverage for Pennsylvania
When you move to Pennsylvania, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll be covered for all of life’s unexpected situations. That means updating your insurance policies with your new address and the minimum requirements for Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Car Insurance
One of the first policies you’ll want to update when you move is going to be your car insurance coverage.
In Pennsylvania, the minimum liability coverage is $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $5,000 property damage liability per accident, $5,000 medical benefits.
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage
$428
On average, the annual premium for a minimum liability coverage policy is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for car insurance in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Average Cost of Full Coverage
$2,040
On average, the annual premium for a full coverage auto insurance policy is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for full coverage in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Do you own a motorcycle?
Pennsylvania Home & Renter’s Insurance
Whether you’ll rent or own your new home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right coverage when you arrive.
Let’s face it, accidents happen during a move. Make sure you have the coverage you need to protect your belongings and your house.
Average Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance
$760
You can usually expect that the annual premium for home insurance will be lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for your home insurance policy in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Will you own or rent your home?
Pennsylvania Health Insurance
You’ll also need to make sure that you and your family have health coverage once you arrive in Pennsylvania.
If you’ll be keeping your job when you move, be sure to ask your employer about any implications for your current health insurance policy.
You’ll need to find out which hospitals and plans are available near your new home. Spend some time researching providers in your area.
Healthcare Costs in Pennsylvania
Higher
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Will you be keeping health insurance with your current employer?
Find Health Coverage ➜
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Tasks when Moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada
Transfer your Nevada Driver’s License
within 60 days.
After you’ve moved to Pennsylvania, you’ll need to get a valid driver’s license.
Transfer your Nevada Car Registration
within 20 days.
You’ll also need to transfer your vehicle registration and get Pennsylvania license plates.
When you become a resident of Pennsylvania, you’ll need to transfer your Nevada driver’s license and vehicle registration.
You’ll also need to update your car insurance policies so that they meet the minimum requirements for Pennsylvania. Sometimes this can come with a rate hike, so it’s always a smart idea to shop around.
The minimum liability coverage you’ll need in Pennsylvania is $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident, $5,000 property damage liability per accident, $5,000 medical benefits.
You can start comparing car insurance quotes for Pennsylvania for free right here on Relocalate.com.
Transfer Your Nevada Driver’s License to Pennsylvania
Minimum Age for a Pennsylvania Driver’s License
17 1/2 years old
A standard Pennsylvania driver’s license is available to residents who are at least 17 1/2 years old.
Pennsylvania Driver’s License Expires
every 4 years
You’ll need to renew your driver’s license every 4 years.
Pennsylvania Driver’s License Cost
$35.50
A driver’s license will cost around $35.50.
One of the first things you’ll want to do after becoming a resident of Pennsylvania is to get a driver’s license.
In fact, new residents should apply for their Pennsylvania driver’s license within 60 days.
In Pennsylvania, driver’s licenses are issued by the DOT.
To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete the Pennsylvania Driver’s License Application.
- Surrender your Nevada driver’s license.
- Present the necessary proof of identity and residency with your new Pennsylvania address.
- Pass any required testing.
- Take a photo.
- Pay the driver’s license fee.
After applying and passing any necessary tests, you’ll receive a temporary paper license. The Pennsylvania DOT will mail you your new license, and it should arrive within a few weeks.
For official information and for details about scheduling appointments, visit https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/.
Pennsylvania Driver’s License Knowledge Exam
Total Questions on the Pennsylvania Driver’s License Test
18 total questions
The Pennsylvania knowledge exam will typically consist of 18 total questions that are based on the driver’s handbook.
Passing Score
83%
You’ll need to score 83% to pass the test.
When you transfer your Nevada license to Pennsylvania, you should be prepared to pass the driver’s license written exam.
While not every applicant will be required to take the test, it is still a good idea to brush up on traffic laws in Pennsylvania.
Before you visit the DOT, take some time to study the official driver’s handbook for Pennsylvania. While many traffic laws and safety rules are universal from state to state, there are some specifics that may be a little different.
Assuming your Nevada driver’s license is valid and unexpired, you should not need to take the Pennsylvania driving test.
Is your Nevada driver’s license valid?
One potential hang up to be aware of is around the validity of your Nevada driver’s license.
To make things as easy as possible, your Nevada license should be valid when you apply for a license in Pennsylvania.
Ideally what this means is that you should clear any issues with the Nevada DMV BEFORE you move.
For example:
- If your Nevada driver’s license is lost or damaged, you should replace it before moving.
- If your Nevada driver’s license is suspended or revoked, you should try to reinstate it before you move.
If your Nevada driver’s license is expired when you go to apply for your Pennsylvania license, it’s possible that the DOT will treat it like a brand new application, which may require a written exam and a road test, plus any other requirements for new drivers.
The bottom line: Try to take care of any issues with your Nevada driver’s license BEFORE you move and visit the Pennsylvania DMV.
Transfer Your Car Registration from Nevada to Pennsylvania
If you’re going to bring your car with you when you move, you’ll also need to transfer your Nevada registration to Pennsylvania.
Vehicle registration and titles are handled by the Pennsylvania DOT.
You can find more specific details for your vehicle registration and official information at https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx/
Pennsylvania Registration Fee Basis
flat rate
Pennsylvania vehicle registration fees are generally calculated by flat rate.
Registration Base Fee Estimate
$36+
Additional fees may vary based on vehicle type as well as any local fees and taxes.
Pennsylvania Registration Expiration
every year
In Pennsylvania, you’ll need to renew your registration every year.
Front License Plates
A front license plate is not required in Pennsylvania.
Vehicle Safety Inspections
Period vehicle safety inspections are required annually in Pennsylvania.
Smog & Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is required annually some counties in Pennsylvania.
New residents in Pennsylvania are required to transfer their out-of-state vehicle registration within 20 days.
When moving to Pennsylvania with vehicles from Nevada, you should be prepared to:
- Complete an application for Pennsylvania registration and title.
- Present your current registration documents from Nevada.
- Provide any other necessary proof of ownership documents (title, lease agreement, lienholder information, etc.)
- Pass any necessary vehicle inspections required for Pennsylvania registration.
- Have a valid Pennsylvania insurance policy for your vehicles.
- Pay the registration fees.
Notify the Nevada DMV
While it’s not always a requirement, it can be worthwhile to update your address with the Nevada DMV and notify them that you have moved out of the state.
This can often be done on the DMV website, and will prevent you from receiving any renewal notices for your old driver’s license and registrations.
Taxes in Pennsylvania vs Nevada
Differences in taxes are a big consideration in any state to state move.
Unfortunately, it’s not all black and white. In order to get the full picture, it’s important to consider all of your potential tax burdens when moving from Nevada to Pennsylvania including state income tax, property taxes, and sales tax.
Plus, you’ll need to think about how the overall cost of living on key spending categories is going to compare. More on that below.
For example, if you’re a homeowner, it’ll be smart to look at both income tax differences, property tax burdens, as well as average home prices to get a more accurate idea of your tax savings or hike once you move to Pennsylvania.
We’ll cover some key differences in your tax savings and tax hikes when moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada.
For simplicity’s sake, we’ll be comparing effective tax rates, which simplify the marginal tax rates and tax brackets in each state to look at the estimated average total tax you may be paying.
Note that your tax situation may be much different than the estimates provided here. Use these as a high-level comparison tool.
Federal & State Income Taxes when Moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada
Overall, you’ll likely be looking at an income tax hike when moving to Pennsylvania from Nevada.
Pennsylvania Income Tax (effective rates)
3.07% (single) & 3.07% (joint)
Pennsylvania has a state income tax with an effective rate of 3.07% for single filers, and 3.07% for married couples filing jointly.
Effective Rates: Federal + State Income Taxes
19.42%
On average, the effective income tax rate (state + federal) is higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more in income tax in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Tax Comparison Calculator
Effective income tax rates (Federal + State):
- Pennsylvania: 19.42% (single), 19.10% (joint)
- Nevada: 15.93% (single), 15.62% (joint)
In Pennsylvania, your tax would be . In Nevada, your tax would be .
You would pay more in than in .
When comparing your overall tax burdens between states, it can help to look at both the state and federal income tax rates.
Remember, this comparison is looking at the effective rates in order to simplify things.
Here’s a high level look at how your effective tax rates may be different after you move to Pennsylvania from Nevada
- State Income Tax (single filers): 3.07% in Pennsylvania vs 0.00% in Nevada
- State Income Tax (joint filers): 3.07% in Pennsylvania vs 0.00% in Nevada
- Federal + State Income Tax (single filers): 19.42% in Pennsylvania vs 15.93% in Nevada
- Federal + State Income Tax (joint filers): 19.10% in Pennsylvania vs 15.62% in Nevada
Sales Tax in Pennsylvania vs Nevada
Next, it’s helpful to consider the differences in sales tax.
Sales tax is a consumption tax you pay when you buy goods and services. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the final price you pay.
Note that many states have a state-wide sales tax and local governments and municipalities can charge an additional sales tax on top of that. This comparison looks at the state-wide sales tax.
Pennsylvania Sales Tax
6%
Pennsylvania has a state sales tax rate of 6%.
The sales tax rate is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less on sales tax in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Property Taxes in Pennsylvania vs Nevada
If you’re a homeowner, or plan to buy a home in Pennsylvania, it’s also a good idea to take a look at the difference in property taxes and home values.
Pennsylvania Property Tax Estimate
1.58%
The property tax rate is higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more for property taxes in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Home Prices in Pennsylvania
$180,200
On average, the average home price is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for a house in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
This is also a good time to back sure you are getting the best deal on your Pennsylvania homeowner’s insurance policy.
How Does the Cost of Living Compare in Pennsylvania vs Nevada?
Cost of living is another major difference when moving to a brand new state.
Depending on the local industries, geography, region, and population, the price of different goods and services can vary greatly.
Now, the cost of living will also depend on your own lifestyle, spending habits, and which city you move to in Pennsylvania.
Cost of living (COL) indexes are used to compare each state to the national average of 100. The difference between COL values higher or lower than 100 represent the percentage difference from the national average.
We can compare the cost of living indexes for Pennsylvania and Nevada to get a high level idea of whether we’ll be saving money or have to spend a bit more on the following categories:
- Overall Cost of Living.
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Utilities.
- Transportation.
- Healthcare.
- Miscellaneous goods and service.
Overall, the cost of living in Pennsylvania is
-1.00% cheaper
than the national average, compared to 1.30% more expensive for Nevada.
Pennsylvania Cost of Living Index
99
National Avg: 100
On average, the cost of living is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for many things in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Cost of Groceries
0.90% more expensive
than the national avg.
Typically, the cost of groceries is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for groceries in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Housing Costs
-10.10% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, the cost of housing (rent/mortgage/etc) is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less for housing costs in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Pennsylvania Utilities
5.90% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of utilities is typically higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more for your monthly utility bills in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Transportation Costs
8.20% more expensive
than the national avg.
On average, the cost of transportation is lower in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay less on transportation in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Healthcare in Pennsylvania
-3.30% cheaper
than the national avg.
Generally, healthcare costs are higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more for healthcare in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Miscellaneous Costs
2.00% more expensive
than the national avg.
The cost of miscellaneous goods and services are generally higher in Pennsylvania. You’ll likely pay more for these things in Pennsylvania than you did in Nevada.
Relocalate.com Methodology
While big changes like moving to a new state can be exciting, we also know that any move can be stressful. That’s why we created Relocalate.com.
The data and comparisons on this page are designed to give you a high level look at what you can expect when moving from Nevada to Pennsylvania.
Our free moving tools and calculators are here to help you play around with the numbers so you can start working on a budget for your big move to Pennsylvania.
We’ve crunched the numbers from census data, federal government resources, state and local data, as well as interviews and chats with people who’ve made the move from Nevada to Pennsylvania.
While there are many things we can’t control when moving to a new state, like the overall cost of living and housing prices, we’ve found that one of the single most effective ways to save money is by getting a better deal on your insurance policies.
That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted insurance providers and some of the best in Pennsylvania to bring your free quote tools that you can access while you plan out your move.
Good luck! We wish you the best as you get settled into your home and start feeling like a Pennsylvania local.