How Much Do Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Pennsylvania is $128 per hour, with an average total move cost between $473 and $4,220. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your Pennsylvania move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your Pennsylvania move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in PA — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in Pennsylvania
The cost to hire a Pennsylvania moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in Pennsylvania.
Cost to move a home in Pennsylvania
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $473 | $179 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $652 | $179 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,046 | $250 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,398 | $351 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,749 | $351 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,220 | $491 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Pennsylvania to move a studio apartment is $473. You'll need two movers for three hours at $179 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $652 for local Pennsylvania movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $179 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire Pennsylvania movers to move a two-bedroom home is $1,046. You'll need three movers for five hours at $250 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $2,398 for local Pennsylvania movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $351 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Pennsylvania will cost $2,749, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $351 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Pennsylvania movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $4,220. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $491 per hour.
City moving costs in Pennsylvania
- Cost of Abington movers
- Cost of Adams movers
- Cost of Allentown movers
- Cost of Allison Park movers
- Cost of Altoona movers
- Cost of Amity movers
- Cost of Antrim movers
- Cost of Ardmore movers
- Cost of Aston movers
- Cost of Baldwin movers
- Cost of Bensalem movers
- Cost of Berwick movers
- Cost of Bethel Park movers
- Cost of Bethlehem movers
- Cost of Bloomsburg movers
- Cost of Bristol movers
- Cost of Broomall movers
- Cost of Buckingham movers
- Cost of Butler movers
- Cost of Caln movers
- Cost of Carlisle movers
- Cost of Carnot-Moon movers
- Cost of Cecil movers
- Cost of Center movers
- Cost of Chambersburg movers
- Cost of Cheltenham movers
- Cost of Chester movers
- Cost of Chestnuthill movers
- Cost of Coal movers
- Cost of Coatesville movers
- Cost of College movers
- Cost of Colonial Park movers
- Cost of Columbia movers
- Cost of Concord movers
- Cost of Coolbaugh movers
- Cost of Cranberry movers
- Cost of Cumru movers
- Cost of Darby movers
- Cost of Derry movers
- Cost of Dingman movers
- Cost of Douglass movers
- Cost of Dover movers
- Cost of Doylestown movers
- Cost of Drexel Hill movers
- Cost of Dunmore movers
- Cost of East Bradford movers
- Cost of East Cocalico movers
- Cost of East Goshen movers
- Cost of East Hempfield movers
- Cost of East Lampeter movers
- Cost of East Norriton movers
- Cost of East Pennsboro movers
- Cost of East Whiteland movers
- Cost of Easton movers
- Cost of Easttown movers
- Cost of Elizabethtown movers
- Cost of Emmaus movers
- Cost of Ephrata movers
- Cost of Erie movers
- Cost of Exeter movers
- Cost of Fairview movers
- Cost of Falls movers
- Cost of Ferguson movers
- Cost of Forks movers
- Cost of Franconia movers
- Cost of Franklin Park movers
- Cost of Fullerton movers
- Cost of Greene movers
- Cost of Greensburg movers
- Cost of Guilford movers
- Cost of Hamilton movers
- Cost of Hampden movers
- Cost of Hampton movers
- Cost of Hanover movers
- Cost of Harborcreek movers
- Cost of Harrisburg movers
- Cost of Harrison movers
- Cost of Hatfield movers
- Cost of Haverford movers
- Cost of Hazle movers
- Cost of Hazleton movers
- Cost of Hempfield movers
- Cost of Hermitage movers
- Cost of Hershey movers
- Cost of Hilltown movers
- Cost of Hopewell movers
- Cost of Horsham movers
- Cost of Indiana movers
- Cost of Jefferson Hills movers
- Cost of Johnstown movers
- Cost of King of Prussia movers
- Cost of Kingston movers
- Cost of Lancaster movers
- Cost of Lansdale movers
- Cost of Lansdowne movers
- Cost of Lebanon movers
- Cost of Lehigh movers
- Cost of Lehman movers
- Cost of Levittown movers
- Cost of Limerick movers
- Cost of Logan movers
- Cost of Lower Allen movers
- Cost of Lower Burrell movers
- Cost of Lower Gwynedd movers
- Cost of Lower Macungie movers
- Cost of Lower Makefield movers
- Cost of Lower Merion movers
- Cost of Lower Moreland movers
- Cost of Lower Paxton movers
- Cost of Lower Pottsgrove movers
- Cost of Lower Providence movers
- Cost of Lower Salford movers
- Cost of Lower Saucon movers
- Cost of Lower Southampton movers
- Cost of Loyalsock movers
- Cost of Manor movers
- Cost of Marple movers
- Cost of McCandless movers
- Cost of McKeesport movers
- Cost of Meadville movers
- Cost of Middle Smithfield movers
- Cost of Middletown movers
- Cost of Milford movers
- Cost of Millcreek movers
- Cost of Monroeville movers
- Cost of Montgomery movers
- Cost of Montgomeryville movers
- Cost of Moon movers
- Cost of Mount Lebanon movers
- Cost of Mountain Top movers
- Cost of Muhlenberg movers
- Cost of Munhall movers
- Cost of Murrysville movers
- Cost of Nanticoke movers
- Cost of Nether Providence movers
- Cost of New Britain movers
- Cost of New Castle movers
- Cost of New Garden movers
- Cost of New Hanover movers
- Cost of New Kensington movers
- Cost of Newberry movers
- Cost of Newtown movers
- Cost of Norristown movers
- Cost of North Fayette movers
- Cost of North Huntingdon movers
- Cost of North Lebanon movers
- Cost of North Middleton movers
- Cost of North Strabane movers
- Cost of North Union movers
- Cost of North Versailles movers
- Cost of North Whitehall movers
- Cost of Northampton movers
- Cost of Palmer movers
- Cost of Patton movers
- Cost of Penn movers
- Cost of Penn Hills movers
- Cost of Peters movers
- Cost of Philadelphia movers
- Cost of Phoenixville movers
- Cost of Pine movers
- Cost of Pittsburgh movers
- Cost of Plum movers
- Cost of Plumstead movers
- Cost of Plymouth movers
- Cost of Pocono movers
- Cost of Pottstown movers
- Cost of Pottsville movers
- Cost of Progress movers
- Cost of Radnor movers
- Cost of Rapho movers
- Cost of Reading movers
- Cost of Richland movers
- Cost of Ridley movers
- Cost of Robinson movers
- Cost of Roslyn movers
- Cost of Ross movers
- Cost of Rostraver movers
- Cost of Salisbury movers
- Cost of Sandy movers
- Cost of Scott movers
- Cost of Scranton movers
- Cost of Shaler movers
- Cost of Sharon movers
- Cost of Shiloh movers
- Cost of Silver Spring movers
- Cost of Skippack movers
- Cost of South Fayette movers
- Cost of South Lebanon movers
- Cost of South Middleton movers
- Cost of South Park movers
- Cost of South Union movers
- Cost of South Whitehall movers
- Cost of Spring movers
- Cost of Spring Garden movers
- Cost of Springettsbury movers
- Cost of Springfield movers
- Cost of St. Marys movers
- Cost of State College movers
- Cost of Stroud movers
- Cost of Susquehanna movers
- Cost of Swatara movers
- Cost of Towamencin movers
- Cost of Tredyffrin movers
- Cost of Unity movers
- Cost of Upper Allen movers
- Cost of Upper Chichester movers
- Cost of Upper Darby movers
- Cost of Upper Dublin movers
- Cost of Upper Gwynedd movers
- Cost of Upper Macungie movers
- Cost of Upper Merion movers
- Cost of Upper Moreland movers
- Cost of Upper Providence movers
- Cost of Upper Saucon movers
- Cost of Upper Southampton movers
- Cost of Upper St. Clair movers
- Cost of Upper Uwchlan movers
- Cost of Uwchlan movers
- Cost of Warminster movers
- Cost of Warrington movers
- Cost of Warwick movers
- Cost of Washington movers
- Cost of Waynesboro movers
- Cost of Weigelstown movers
- Cost of West Bradford movers
- Cost of West Chester movers
- Cost of West Deer movers
- Cost of West Goshen movers
- Cost of West Hanover movers
- Cost of West Hempfield movers
- Cost of West Lampeter movers
- Cost of West Manchester movers
- Cost of West Mifflin movers
- Cost of West Norriton movers
- Cost of West Whiteland movers
- Cost of Westtown movers
- Cost of White movers
- Cost of Whitehall movers
- Cost of Whitemarsh movers
- Cost of Whitpain movers
- Cost of Wilkes-Barre movers
- Cost of Wilkinsburg movers
- Cost of Williamsport movers
- Cost of Willistown movers
- Cost of Willow Grove movers
- Cost of Woodlyn movers
- Cost of Worcester movers
- Cost of Wyomissing movers
- Cost of Yeadon movers
- Cost of York movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Pennsylvania
The cost of an interstate move from Pennsylvania to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania to California: $4,095–$6,717
- Pennsylvania to New York: $1,435–$4,055
- Pennsylvania to Illinois: $2,335–$5,077
- Pennsylvania to Texas: $3,148–$6,401
- Pennsylvania to Arizona: $3,498–$6,499
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 moving movers in Pennsylvania.
Best interstate moving companies in Pennsylvania
These are the best interstate moving companies available in Pennsylvania:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in Pennsylvania
Staying in Pennsylvania and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in Pennsylvania.
- Moving Ahead Services: 5 out of 5
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.8 out of 5
- Forward Moving LLC: 4.76 out of 5
- Gardner Moving: 4.76 out of 5
- Hughes Relocation Services: 4.76 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Pennsylvania.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Pennsylvania to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your Pennsylvania move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Pennsylvania move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Pennsylvania between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in Pennsylvania
- The cost index in Pennsylvania is 99. This means it’s about 1% less expensive than the national average.
- The average rent in Pennsylvania for a one-bedroom apartment is $958 which is 27.75% lower than the national average.
- The average home value in Pennsylvania is $254,802 which is about 28.43% less expensive than the national average.
- The average income in Pennsylvania is $73,170 which is about 12.58% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in Pennsylvania
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in Pennsylvania is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in Pennsylvania to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one Pennsylvania location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in Pennsylvania for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from Pennsylvania. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in Pennsylvania?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in PA:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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Things to know about your Pennsylvania move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about your move.
- State Licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly.
- Mover's Insurance: In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
Tips to save money on your Pennsylvania move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Pennsylvania move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Pennsylvania move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest way to move within Pennsylvania is by using a DIY option. For some people in Pennsylvania, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Pennsylvania, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
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