($1,667) Cost of Moving From California to Pennsylvania
Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Pennsylvania ranges from $2,095 to $9,410 and takes seven–21 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Pennsylvania to California guide.
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The best California to Pennsylvania full-service movers
Moving from California to Pennsylvania? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.
To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your Pennsylvania relocation:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Rigo's Moving Company Inc
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3075110
Years in Business: 11
4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023Rigo's Moving Company Inc has been providing top-notch local residential moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA since 2014. With a solid reputation backed by 445 combined Yelp and Google reviews, averaging over 4.3 stars, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby moving companies. Rigo's Moving excels in customer satisfaction and offers a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and even specialized moves for pianos and antiques. They also accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3075110
- State license #: 0191663
Meathead Movers
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
2905 Unicorn Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308 USMeathead Movers has been a staple in Bakersfield, CA, for local residential moving services since 1998. Compared to other movers in the area, their standout feature is a comprehensive offering, including packing and unpacking services. With a combined average rating of over 4.0 on Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their reputation for customer satisfaction is clear. Uniquely, they require no deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making the moving process seamless and hassle-free for clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 0189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 20
8362 Galena Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828Two Men and a Truck, a trusted local moving company in Sacramento, CA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer comprehensive options including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities like piano and safe moving. Known for their professionalism and transparency, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process easier for clients. Consumer reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.4 on Yelp and 3.8 on Google, but they boast a strong A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 0190058
Alternative Business Names
- Snyir Inc.
- Two Men And A Truck
Grace Moving Company
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2806730
Years in Business: 26
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA 95351 USGrace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2806730
- State license #: 0189642
The best California to Pennsylvania moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Pennsylvania.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best California to Pennsylvania moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Pennsylvania, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Pennsylvania labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Pennsylvania:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to PA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 278 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from California to Pennsylvania?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Pennsylvania for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,667 - $6,347 | $1,608 - $4,175 | $1,805 - $3,712 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,581 - $9,410 | $2,944 - $5,955 | $2,095 - $4,377 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,149 - $15,316 | $4,018 - $8,375 | $2,446 - $4,954 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,731 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Pennsylvania
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,667 and $6,347. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to PA will range from $4,581 to $9,410, and a large move from California to Pennsylvania will cost from $9,149 to $15,316.
Cost of moving containers from California to Pennsylvania
Moving containers from California to Pennsylvania will cost you $1,608 to $4,175 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,944 to $5,955. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,018 to $8,375. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Pennsylvania
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$1,805 to $3,712.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$2,095 to $4,377,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Pennsylvania costs from
$2,446 to $4,954.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to PA
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Pennsylvania will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from CA to PA
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Pennsylvania
| California | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $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% |
- Rent is about 40% less expensive in Pennsylvania than in California.
- Home prices are about 65% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
- The average income is about 20% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
- Cost of living is 26% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
- Pennsylvania has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 37%.
- Sales taxes are 27% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
- Income taxes are 77% lower in Pennsylvania than in California.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. California
| 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 |
- The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 67% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
- Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 28.43.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Pennsylvania
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Pennsylvania compared to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Low cost of living |
| Pleasant weather | Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Abundant recreational options | Beautiful landscapes |
| High quality of life | Ample economic opportunity |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Pennsylvania
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Pennsylvania.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Harsh winter weather |
| Heavy tax burdens | Bad driving conditions |
| Natural disasters | Nuclear power plants |
| Terrible traffic | Unpredictable weather |
| Strange laws | High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your California to Pennsylvania move
- 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.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 Pennsylvania. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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 know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Pennsylvania
While you’re in Pennsylvania, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Hersheypark
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Fallingwater
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Visit Strasburg
- Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
- Valley Forge National Historical Park
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Presque Isle State Park
- Andy Warhol Museum
- Longwood Gardens
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Knoebels Amusement Resort
- Flight 93 National Memorial
- Ricketts Glen State Park
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Reading Terminal Market
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Pennsylvania?
Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from California to Pennsylvania?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Pennsylvania separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Pennsylvania?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Pennsylvania are the amazing upsides of living in Pennsylvania such as low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Pennsylvania?
It is generally cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Pennsylvania, with average rent about 40% less and home prices 65.1% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
You should make approximately $48,400 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Pennsylvania. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is approximately $3,005 per month for an individual and $2,804 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Pennsylvania you live For example, larger cities like Erie and Allentown will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
