When relocating from Pennsylvania to New York, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,276 to
$3,566, roughly
$1,418 for a container move, and close to
$352
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to New York?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $698 – $2,523 | $510 – $1,234 | $227 – $369 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,276 – $3,566 | $977 – $1,860 | $246 – $458 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,751 – $4,874 | $1,255 – $2,348 | $275 – $529 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $698 – $2,523
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,276 – $3,566
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,751 – $4,874
How much do moving containers cost from Pennsylvania to New York?
- Small move: $510 – $1,234
- 2–3 bedrooms: $977 – $1,860
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,255 – $2,348
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $227 – $369
- 2–3 bedrooms: $246 – $458
- 4+ bedrooms: $275 – $529
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 200-mile move from PA to NY using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 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 PA to NY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Pennsylvania | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,110 | $1,507 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $81,386 |
| Cost of living index | 99 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.34% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 10.9% |
Will rent be more expensive in New York?
Rent is about 36% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania.
Avg rent: $1,110 vs. $1,507
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 80% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania.
Avg home value: $268,824 vs. $482,742
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 11% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania.
Avg income (per capita): $73,170 vs. $81,386
Is the overall cost of living higher in New York?
The cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and New York.
Cost of living index: 99 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 34% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania.
Avg sales tax: 6.34% vs. 8.52%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 255% higher in New York than in Pennsylvania.
State income tax: 3.07% vs. 10.9%
How is daily life different in New York compared to Pennsylvania?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| New York | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,571,216 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-40 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 62″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 21.51 | 17.62 |
Will New York feel more crowded than Pennsylvania?
New York is about 51% more populous than Pennsylvania — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, New York voted Democratic while Pennsylvania voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 83°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (16°F vs. 19°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in New York?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (44″ vs. 44″).
Snow: New York gets more snow (62 inches vs. 38 inches).
Is New York safer than Pennsylvania?
New York has a higher crime index than Pennsylvania (21.51 vs. 17.62). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in New York?
Museums in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks in New York
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Central Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports teams in New York
- Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York
- Cornell University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to New York move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a New York moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in New York, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to New York. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in New York?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in New York?
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a New York moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in New York?
No moving permit is required in New York, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Pennsylvania offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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