When moving from Illinois to Pennsylvania, you’ll likely pay between $2,053–$4,956 with professional movers, roughly
$1,935 for a moving container, and about
$842
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,106 – $3,666 | $711 – $1,829 | $507 – $943 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,053 – $4,956 | $1,230 – $2,640 | $531 – $1,153 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,440 – $7,324 | $1,821 – $3,401 | $671 – $1,302 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,106 – $3,666
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,053 – $4,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,440 – $7,324
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Pennsylvania?
- Small move: $711 – $1,829
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,230 – $2,640
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,821 – $3,401
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $507 – $943
- 2–3 bedrooms: $531 – $1,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $671 – $1,302
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 731-mile move from IL to PA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to PA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,110 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $73,170 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.34% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.07% |
Will rent be more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Rent is about 6% lower in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,110
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 8% higher in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $268,824
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% lower in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $73,170
Is the overall cost of living higher in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living is 10% higher in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 99
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 28% lower in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.34%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 38% lower in Pennsylvania than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 3.07%
How is daily life different in Pennsylvania compared to Illinois?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Pennsylvania | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,961,683 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 38″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 17.62 | 19.7 |
Will Pennsylvania feel more crowded than Illinois?
Pennsylvania and Illinois have similar population sizes, so the “crowdedness” difference may be minimal.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (83°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (19°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Pennsylvania?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (44″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Pennsylvania gets more snow (38 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Pennsylvania safer than Illinois?
Pennsylvania has a lower crime index than Illinois (17.62 vs. 19.7), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Pennsylvania?
Museums in Pennsylvania
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Hershey Story Museum
- National Civil War Museum
- SteelStacks
- Steamtown National Historic Site
Parks in Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- Core Creek Park
- Allentown Fish Hatchery
- Rocky Ridge County Park
Sports teams in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State University
- Carnegie Mellon University.
- University of Pittsburgh
- Temple University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Pennsylvania move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Pennsylvania right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. 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.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Pennsylvania?
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Pennsylvania?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Pennsylvania moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Pennsylvania?
You don’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. 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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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