Moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania Cost and Tips

One of the most popular destination for people moving out of New Jersey is Pennsylvania.

But do you know where in PA is the best place for you?

Also, importantly, do you know how much it will cost to move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania is $2,000-$3,500 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
For more precise estimates, use the moving calculator to get your best-customized rate based on your moving dates and the size of your move.

Why Do Moving Prices Vary So Much?

You have a lot of options when you choose to move and with that a wide range of pricing.

Professional movers cost the most but do all the work for you. Loading, unloading, and driving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania.

Moving container companies cost somewhat less but leave you to do some of the work. You load and unload the container. They do all the driving.

Trunk rentals will save you the most, but all the work is on you. Loading and unloading the truck and making that drive from state to state can be stressful, but you save.

Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price

The popularity of a state can also impact your moving cost. For example, Pennsylvania is the 10th most popular destination for people moving from another state.

Even though New Jersey is right next door, many are flocking to Pennsylvania. According to the US Census, more than 24,000 people left New Jersey for Pennsylvania in 2018. Those migration numbers continue to grow as Pennsylvania continues to offer more job growth.

Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price

When planning your move, timing is critical. A move during the typical moving season during the spring and summer months is much higher than offseason prices. Try to schedule your move during the fall and winter months when prices are lower.

Economic growth in Pennsylvania and it’s close proximity to New York City are the main attractions for New Jersey migrants.

While New Jersey may offer a reasonable cost of living, the job market tends to be flat. Pennsylvania’s job market brings in New Jersey residents. Many also find the historic qualities of Pennsylvania’s cities a strong attraction.

Best Places to Move in Pennsylvania

Before your move, think about some of the places in Pennsylvania that offer you what you need including recreation, cost of living or employment opportunities. These are a few prime locations preferred by inbound movers.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Perks

• More culture than New Jersey. Philadelphia is a major American city offering cultural diversity from music to the arts.
• Affordable housing. While many New Jersey residents could head for New York, they would end up paying more in rent. Housing in Philly is far more affordable and offers many urban benefits like NYC.
• A historic city. One of the great attractions of Philadelphia is that it is constantly embedded in America’s colonial past. There is also a modern edge to the city to balance the tradition.
• Perfect for young professionals. While a historic center, Philadelphia is still vibrant for new residents. College grads and other young professionals flock to Philly neighborhoods like Fishtown and Old City, which are full of bustling bars and restaurants.

Scranton, Pennsylvania Perks

• Ranked top ten best places to raise a family Scranton offers a safe, comfortable modern city in which to have kids.
• Low cost of living. If you find Philadelphia out of your budget, Scranton is a perfectly reasonably priced compromise with affordable housing.
• Lovely scenery. While Scranton is a city, it is surrounded by mountains and forests that become a beautiful backdrop for residents all year round.
• A vital downtown area. Scranton is growing its city center, which is attracting young professionals who may find Philly a little too expensive.

Allentown, Pennsylvania Perks

• Allentown has been named by Forbes on their list of Best Places for Business and Careers. The city has a predicted job growth rate of 2.4%
• Affordable housing. Usually with a spike in job growth housing goes up. But Allentown has been able to keep housing affordable with prices around $194,000 for new families.
• Lots to do. Allentown has lots of family-friendly centers of entertainment from Coca-Cola Park to the Dorney Park & Wild Water Kingdom.
• Thriving nightlife. Allentown just isn’t for families. A growing club scene has attracted younger residents who love the safe city environment with a trendy edge.

York, Pennsylvania Perks

• York is right next to Maryland. For those working the next state over, York is an ideal location.
• Becoming an arts center. A flourishing arts community has caused a surge in growth in the York downtown area.
• Just the right size. Many residents love the perfect size of York, bigger than a town, but not the urban sprawl of a major city.
• Affordable housing and cost of living. The cost of living in York is 15% below the national average. And if you’re looking to purchase a home, the median home price in the York area is only $86,000!

Reading, Pennsylvania Perks

• An up and coming city. The local government is revitalizing the city and attracting companies from around the US to stimulate the local economy.
• Affordable housing. Housing costs are reasonable with residents spending about 23.44% of the median household income on housing.
• A changing economy. The economic growth has transformed the town as manufacturing and transportation industries were replaced with service industries. This change is spiking service industry careers.
• Not far from Philadelphia. Reading acts almost as a suburb for young professionals and families who want accessibility to the big city, but the qualities of small-town life.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Perks

• Lowest cost of living in the entire state. Cost of living requires just 20,15% of household income. Though the city experienced hurdles with the loss of the steel industry, it’s on its way back.
• Major American corporations settling down in Pittsburgh. A hub of tech and education is already thriving in the city, which is driving a spike in employment.
• Sports fans will love it here. Whatever season, there is always sports in Pittsburgh. Steelers. Pens. Buccos. For those who never get enough, this is a sports-lovers haven.
• High quality universities available. For those looking for premium universities, Pittsburgh has some of the best. The University of Pittsburgh came in at 66 on the same list. Point Park University, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Chatham University, Carlow University, and Robert Morris University are among the many public and private colleges and universities you can also find here.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Perks

• A beer lover’s paradise. Because of its German heritage, Lancaster has become known as Little Munich of America. The craft beer scene here is thriving and you will find that residents are ready to argue for their favorite ales and lagers.
• A slower-paced lifestyle. Not a big city at all, Lancaster is proud to offer a rural quality of life that many prefer over the big city.
• High quality education. The city of Lancaster has been highly ranked for preparing high school students for college readiness.
• Local industries are thriving here, especially in the food category. The proximity of farms has secured Kellogg’s and Mars manufacturing in the area. You will find a growth in both blue-collar and white-collar jobs in the food sector.

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