Best Movers From California to Pennsylvania (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from California to Pennsylvania, expect professional movers to cost around
$3,825 to
$7,397, roughly
$3,768 for a container move, and close to
$2,414
for a rental truck.
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$1,261 — $7,397 Top local mover
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$1,261 — $11,227 Top long-distance mover
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$1,303 — $6,854 Top container company
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$1,404 — $3,934 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Pennsylvania
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from California to Pennsylvania.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Pennsylvania
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 03, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Pennsylvania?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,261 – $5,200 | $1,303 – $3,416 | $1,404 – $2,834 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,825 – $7,397 | $2,409 – $5,128 | $1,521 – $3,307 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,266 – $11,227 | $3,158 – $6,854 | $2,042 – $3,934 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,261 – $5,200
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,825 – $7,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,266 – $11,227
How much do moving containers cost from California to Pennsylvania?
- Small move: $1,303 – $3,416
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,409 – $5,128
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,158 – $6,854
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,404 – $2,834
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,521 – $3,307
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,042 – $3,934
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 2,733-mile move from CA to PA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 CA to PA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $1,110 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $73,170 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.34% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
Will rent be more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Rent is about 40% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,110
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 65% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $268,824
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 20% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $73,170
Is the overall cost of living higher in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living is 26% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 99
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 27% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.34%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 77% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 3.07%
How is daily life different in Pennsylvania compared to California?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Pennsylvania | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,961,683 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 38″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 17.62 | 28.43 |
Will Pennsylvania feel more crowded than California?
Pennsylvania is about 67% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (83°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Pennsylvania is colder on average (19°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Pennsylvania?
Rain: Pennsylvania gets more rain (44″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Pennsylvania gets more snow (38 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Pennsylvania safer than California?
Pennsylvania has a lower crime index than California (17.62 vs. 28.43), 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 California to Pennsylvania 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: 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Pennsylvania, 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage 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: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Pennsylvania?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
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?
No moving permit is required in Pennsylvania.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include basic insurance 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 California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
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