$1,100 Movers From Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania averages from $493 to $5,638 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Pennsylvania. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 610 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to Pennsylvania moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to Pennsylvania is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Pennsylvania.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,100 - $3,485 $761 - $1,855 $505 - $916
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,200 - $5,638 $1,320 - $2,439 $493 - $1,099
4+ bedrooms $3,985 - $8,028 $1,797 - $3,220 $636 - $1,237
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 610 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,100 to $3,485. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to PA will range from $2,200 to $5,638, and a large move from Chicago to Pennsylvania will cost from $3,985 to $8,028.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania?

Moving pods from Chicago to Pennsylvania will cost you $761 to $1,855. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,320 to $2,439. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,797 to $3,220. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Pennsylvania.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL 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 $505 to $916. A larger move will cost $493 to $1,099, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Pennsylvania costs from $636 to $1,237.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Pennsylvania a good idea?

If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Pennsylvania

Chicago, IL Pennsylvania
Average rent cost $1,595 $958
Average home cost $306,098 $254,802
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $73,170
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.4%
State income tax 4.95% 3.07%
  • Rent is about 61% less expensive in Pennsylvania than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 20.6% lower in Pennsylvania than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 9.7% higher in Pennsylvania than in Chicago.
  • Pennsylvania has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 121.7%.
  • Income taxes are 37.98% lower in Pennsylvania than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Pennsylvania?

Chicago, IL Pennsylvania
Population 2,746,388 12,964,056
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democratic 50-49
Summer high 84ºF 83ºF
Winter low 19ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 38" 44"
Annual snow 35" 38"
Crime index 35.19 19.07
  • The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 372% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Democratic and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
  • Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 19.07.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Pennsylvania:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Pennsylvania side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Pennsylvania
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Low cost of living
Delicious food Abundant fun and recreational activities
Abundant entertainment Beautiful landscapes
Intense sports culture Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Excellent education options

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Pennsylvania:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Pennsylvania.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Pennsylvania
High crime rate Harsh winter weather
Temperamental weather Bad driving conditions
Terrible traffic Nuclear power plants
High taxes Unpredictable weather
Pollution High taxes on gasoline

Considerations for moving to Pennsylvania

  • 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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Pennsylvania. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Pennsylvania?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Pennsylvania.

Museums in Pennsylvania

  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • The Hershey Story Museum
  • National Civil War Museum
  • SteelStacks
  • Steamtown National Historic Site
  • Asa Packer Mansion
  • Duquesne Incline
  • AACA Museum, Inc.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Barnes
  • American Helicopter Museum and Educational Center
  • Bicycle Heaven
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History
  • Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center
  • America On Wheels Museum

Parks in Pennsylvania

  • Gettysburg National Military Park
  • Presque Isle State Park
  • Core Creek Park
  • Allentown Fish Hatchery
  • Rocky Ridge County Park
  • Lititz Springs Park
  • Point State Park
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
  • Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
  • Nay Aug Park
  • Nockamixon State Park
  • Nixon Park Nature Center
  • Heritage Rail Trail County Park
  • Trexler Memorial Park
  • Cedar Beach Park

Sports Teams in Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)

Universities in Pennsylvania

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Penn State University
  • Carnegie Mellon University.
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • Temple University
  • Drexel University
  • Lehigh University
  • Swarthmore College
  • Villanova University
  • Bryn Mawr College
  • Bucknell University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • Duquesne University
  • Dickinson College
  • Lock Haven University

Moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania FAQs

Why are people moving from Chicago to Pennsylvania?

Many people are moving to Pennsylvania because of low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Pennsylvania