For a move from Michigan to Pennsylvania, budget between $2,084–$5,213 for full-service movers, around
$1,889 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$770
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Pennsylvania?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,142 – $3,551 | $695 – $1,644 | $459 – $893 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,084 – $5,213 | $1,265 – $2,514 | $480 – $1,060 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,873 – $7,991 | $1,673 – $3,003 | $593 – $1,281 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,142 – $3,551
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,084 – $5,213
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,873 – $7,991
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to Pennsylvania?
- Small move: $695 – $1,644
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,265 – $2,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 – $3,003
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $459 – $893
- 2–3 bedrooms: $480 – $1,060
- 4+ bedrooms: $593 – $1,281
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 634-mile move from MI 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 MI to PA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $1,110 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $73,170 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.34% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 3.07% |
Will rent be more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Rent is about 7% higher in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $1,110
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 9% higher in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $268,824
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% higher in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $73,170
Is the overall cost of living higher in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living is 8% higher in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 99
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 6% higher in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 6.34%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 28% lower in Pennsylvania than in Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 3.07%
How is daily life different in Pennsylvania compared to Michigan?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Pennsylvania | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,961,683 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 38″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 17.62 | 19.98 |
Will Pennsylvania feel more crowded than Michigan?
Pennsylvania is about 29% more populous than Michigan — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Michigan and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (83°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (19°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Pennsylvania?
Rain: Pennsylvania gets more rain (44″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Pennsylvania gets less snow (38 inches vs. 64 inches).
Is Pennsylvania safer than Michigan?
Pennsylvania has a lower crime index than Michigan (17.62 vs. 19.98), 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 Michigan to Pennsylvania move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Pennsylvania moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Pennsylvania right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Pennsylvania?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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 smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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 Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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