How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to PA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 29 Kentucky movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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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 Kentucky to Pennsylvania?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Kentucky
to Pennsylvania, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,102 – $3,170 |
$658 – $1,649 |
$415 – $795 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,975 – $5,214 |
$1,211 – $2,232 |
$439 – $981 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,624 – $7,595 |
$1,518 – $2,907 |
$547 – $1,173 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 554-mile relocation from KY to
PA, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, you’ll likely pay between
$1,102
and $3,170.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$1,975 and $5,214
for the same journey (KY to PA).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,624
to $7,595.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
When you’re heading from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $658 and
$1,649. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,211 and
$2,232. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,518
to $2,907. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Kentucky easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky 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
$415
to $795.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $439
to $981, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Kentucky to Pennsylvania costs around
$547 to
$1,173.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to PA
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Kentucky to Pennsylvania. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Kentucky when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from KY to PA
If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from Kentucky, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Pennsylvania
Understanding how costs compare between Kentucky and Pennsylvania can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Kentucky |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$902 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
93 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
4.0% |
3.07% |
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Rent is about 23% higher in Pennsylvania than in Kentucky. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Prepare for a higher monthly mortgage. Home prices in Pennsylvania are typically about 27% higher than in Kentucky.
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You’re likely to earn about 22% more in Pennsylvania than in Kentucky. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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The cost of living is 6% higher in Pennsylvania than in Kentucky. If you’re making the move to Pennsylvania with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
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Pennsylvania boasts an unemployment rate about 32% lower than Kentucky. That means you’ll find a stronger job market and a more robust local economy, a great sign if you’re planning a move.
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Sales taxes are 6% higher in Pennsylvania than in Kentucky. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 23% lower than in Kentucky. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Kentucky
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Pennsylvania and Kentucky line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Pennsylvania |
Kentucky |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
11″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
16.63 |
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The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 186% greater than the population of Kentucky.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Kentucky and Pennsylvania leaned Republican.
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In Pennsylvania, summer highs are around 83°F, close to 87°F in Kentucky.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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Winter temperatures usually fall to 19°F in Pennsylvania and 24°F in Kentucky.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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In Pennsylvania, you’ll see about 44 inches of rain each year — nearly identical to the 48 inches you’re used to in Kentucky.
While the overall rainfall stays pretty consistent, the timing and pattern of those showers might shake up your daily routine.
-
Each year, Pennsylvania sees about 38 inches of snowfall, while Kentucky averages just 11 inches.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Pennsylvania has a higher crime rate than Kentucky, with a crime index of 17.62 compared to 16.63.
While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. Pennsylvania
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Pennsylvania and Kentucky:
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Delicious food and drink |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Horse racing |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Four season weather |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky 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 Kentucky for Pennsylvania:
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Extreme weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| Low diversity |
Bad driving conditions |
| Poor air quality |
Nuclear power plants |
| Poor infrastructure |
Unpredictable weather |
| Poor education system |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to Pennsylvania move
-
HOA rules:
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
-
Elevator reservation:
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
-
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 is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Pennsylvania right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” 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.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Kentucky to Pennsylvania to enjoy all the great benefits Pennsylvania provides, such as low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Pennsylvania?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is much more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 19% less and home prices 21% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Kentucky residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
Thinking of moving to Pennsylvania on your own? You’ll want to earn around $56,150 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,452 per month, or around $5,603 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Kentucky?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, you’ll likely pay between $1,975–$5,214 with professional movers, roughly
$1,721 for a moving container, and about
$710
for a rental truck.
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