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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Average cost to hire a local moving company in PA

In Pennsylvania, local moving company rates for in-state moves are influenced mainly by the size of your home and the distance traveled.

For relocations of 50 miles or fewer, expect hourly charges based on the size of the moving truck and the number of movers needed.

Moves covering greater distances within Pennsylvania — often 400 miles or more — are priced like interstate moves, calculated by the total weight and volume of your belongings rather than time spent. Some movers may classify anything over 100 miles as long-distance.

Below is an overview of typical moving costs you could encounter in Pennsylvania.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $466 $181 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $647 $181 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $1,045 $253 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,415 $355 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,770 $355 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,259 $497 5 movers 10 hours

More details on the cost of professional movers in PAtoggle

  • Studio: A typical studio move involves two movers working up to three hours, at a rate of $181 per hour.
  • One bedroom: For one-bedroom homes, expect to pay approximately $181 per hour for a two-person team over four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom residence in Pennsylvania will likely involve three movers for five hours, billed at $253 per hour.
  • Three bedrooms: A three-bedroom move typically takes eight hours and a four-person crew, with an hourly rate around $355.
  • Four bedrooms: For four-bedroom properties, anticipate hiring four movers for approximately nine hours at $355 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Large homes with five+ bedrooms typically require five movers, working ten hours at a rate of $497 per hour.

Moving costs by city in Pennsylvaniatoggle

Explore our recommendations for the best Pennsylvania moving companies and see how they compare on cost and offerings:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.86 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 74
  • Yelp: 3.4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 94
  • Yelp: 2.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.76 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 2.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.76 / 5
  • Years in Business: 38
  • Yelp: 2.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 10
  • Yelp: 3.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 105
  • Yelp: 3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 3.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 27
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 43
  • Yelp: 2.4 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Pennsylvania

The cost of an interstate relocation— or out-of-state move — from Pennsylvania tends to be more complicated. Due to that complexity, pricing is handled differently than for local moves within the same city or between Pennsylvania towns.

Interstate move pricing is primarily determined by the weight and volume of your belongings, rather than by hourly labor costs like local moves. Longer drive times are typical for out-of-state moves, contributing to the higher price tag.

Fluctuating fuel prices, increased insurance costs, and seasonal market shifts also play a role in boosting interstate moving expenses.

Below, you'll find sample cost ranges for several popular routes.

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Pennsylvania

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Pennsylvania should cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Pennsylvania.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Pennsylvania move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Average cost of moving containers in PA

The cost of renting PODS moving containers is usually between $207 and $7,503, based on container size and the distance of your move. In Pennsylvania, a local move using an eight-foot PODS container costs around $207–$436, while a 16-foot version is estimated at $321–833.

For local moves, PODS costs typically land between $207 and $824. Long-distance moves cost more due to the extra mileage and time involved. Moving 100–250 miles with PODS usually costs $248–$2,098, while cross-country moves are priced between $2,034 and $7,503.

We like PODS for its broad availability, selection of container sizes, and ongoing special offers. However, since each move is different, we encourage getting quotes from at least three companies to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Explore our list of top moving container services available in Pennsylvania.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost to rent a moving truck in PA

The typical cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $55–$133 for local moves and $345–$5,725+ for longer-distance moves.

Renting from providers like U-Haul is a budget-friendly choice — but it does mean you'll be doing all the heavy lifting, driving, and unloading yourself unless you hire some extra help or rally friends and family.

Check out our top picks for moving truck rentals in Pennsylvania:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of Pennsylvania hourly-movers

The typical cost to hire an hourly mover in Pennsylvania is about $65 per hour per mover. Most small moves (like studio apartments) still require at least two movers, so you should plan for an hourly moving labor cost of roughly $129.

Check out our favorite labor-only movers in Pennsylvania:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.86 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 94
  • Yelp: 2.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.76 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 2.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Factors that affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move

These common factors can impact how much your Pennsylvania move will cost:

  • Move size: More belongings mean higher moving costs. More time, bigger trucks, and larger crews add up quickly. Downsizing before your move to Pennsylvania can help keep expenses lower.
  • Distance: Local moves are billed hourly, based on the time required. For long-distance relocations, movers add costs like mileage, fuel, tolls, and time on the road between Pennsylvania and your destination.
  • Move type: Hiring a full-service moving company is convenient but pricey. DIY options like truck rentals or moving containers offer lower costs but require more effort on your part.
  • Type of home: Ground-level homes are easier and cheaper to move from. If movers have to navigate stairs, elevators, or distant parking, expect extra charges like stair or long-carry fees.
  • Additional services: Packing, storage, crating fragile items, and opting for extra insurance will all add to the base cost of your Pennsylvania move.
  • Seasonality: Expect to pay 20–30% more if you’re moving during peak season (summer). Choosing a moving date between fall and early spring can yield big savings.

Consider car shipping costs for long-distance PA moves

With years of expertise, professional car shippers can efficiently move your vehicle as part of your long-distance relocation.

Here’s our list of the top-rated car shipping companies in Pennsylvania:

Company Our take Rating Price
Sherpa Auto Transport
Best for accurate pricing
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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AmeriFreight Car Transport
Best for discounts
starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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Montway Auto Transport
Best cross-country shipper
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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SGT Auto Transport
Best for overall value
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Easy Auto Ship
Best for quick pickup
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your Pennsylvania move

Whether you’re hiring pros or doing it yourself, there are smart ways to save on your Pennsylvania move:

  • Trim down your belongings. Decluttering reduces the amount you need to move, cutting your costs. Donate or sell items you don’t need.
  • Look for discounts. Movers often offer special deals for military members, students, seniors, and first-time customers.
  • Move during slower periods. Avoid the busy moving season (mid-May to mid-September) and weekends to secure better prices.
  • Book well ahead of time. Planning your move early — ideally two months in advance — often results in lower rates.
  • Do your own packing. Even if you hire movers, packing your items yourself can help you save on your Pennsylvania move.

What is the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest moving option within Pennsylvania is usually a DIY move. Some residents in Pennsylvania find that renting a moving truck saves them the most, while others realize that hiring a professional moving service is a better deal overall.

When moving out of Pennsylvania, it might seem like renting a truck would be the cheapest choice. However, longer moves often come with hidden costs — gas, mileage charges, meals, and hotel stays — that can end up making a full-service move more affordable than you think.

Not sure which is right for you? Try our moving cost calculator to quickly compare personalized estimates for truck rentals and professional movers.

Helpful Pennsylvania resources

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