How we chose the best moving companies for your MA to PA move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 106 Massachusetts moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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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.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$980 – $2,874 |
$602 – $1,382 |
$344 – $629 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,625 – $4,463 |
$1,079 – $2,039 |
$357 – $740 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,604 – $6,351 |
$1,486 – $2,516 |
$416 – $859 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 373-mile move from MA to
PA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania typically costs between
$980 and
$2,874.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,625
and $4,463
when moving from MA to PA.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,604
up to $6,351.
Cost of moving containers from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania
If you’re relocating from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania,
you’ll typically spend between $602
and $1,382 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,079 up to
$2,039.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,486 and
$2,516. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Massachusetts.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$344 and
$629.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$357 to
$740.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $416 and
$859.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to PA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Massachusetts, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from MA to PA
Transitioning from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. Pennsylvania
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Massachusetts and Pennsylvania are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Massachusetts |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$1,588 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$623,131 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$96,505 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.9% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
6.25% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
9.0% |
3.07% |
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Rent is about 30% less expensive in Pennsylvania than in Massachusetts, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
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Home prices in Pennsylvania are about 57% lower than in Massachusetts, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Pennsylvania are roughly 24% lower than in Massachusetts.
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With a similar cost of living in both Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 13% lower than Massachusetts, Pennsylvania offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax rates are similar in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, so this won’t affect your cost of living when you relocate.
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Income taxes are 66% lower in Pennsylvania compared to Massachusetts. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Massachusetts
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Pennsylvania and Massachusetts compare.
|
Pennsylvania |
Massachusetts |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
7,001,399 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
16ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
49″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
47″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
13.92 |
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If you’re moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, you’ll find Pennsylvania has about 85% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania leaned Republican, while Massachusetts supported Democratic.
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The average summer high in Pennsylvania is 83°F, while Massachusetts averages 82°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
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During the coldest months, Pennsylvania averages 19°F while Massachusetts sees lows of 16°F.
With temperatures so close, you can expect a smooth transition between climates.
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In Pennsylvania, you’ll experience about 44 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 49 inches you’re used to in Massachusetts.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
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In Pennsylvania, it only snows about 38 inches annually while Massachusetts gets 47 inches.
Moving to Pennsylvania, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
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Pennsylvania has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts, with a crime index of 17.62 compared to 13.92.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Massachusetts vs. Pennsylvania
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Pennsylvania to Massachusetts:
| Pros of living in Massachusetts |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Natural beauty |
Low cost of living |
| Excellent education system |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Delicious seafood |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Home to boston |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. Pennsylvania
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania:
| Cons of living in Massachusetts |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Bad traffic |
Harsh winter weather |
| Poor driving conditions |
Bad driving conditions |
| Harsh winter weather |
Nuclear power plants |
| High cost of living |
Unpredictable weather |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts 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.
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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.
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State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Pennsylvania, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
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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.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, 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:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Pennsylvania
Get excited to explore Pennsylvania. Don’t miss these top spots 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 Massachusetts to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania?
Many people are making the move from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Pennsylvania has to offer, like low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Massachusetts or Pennsylvania?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in Massachusetts.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 30% less and home prices 57% lower than in Massachusetts.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by Massachusetts residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
Planning to move to Pennsylvania? A single adult should aim for an income of around $56,150 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,452 for an individual, or $5,603 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Massachusetts?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Massachusetts:
1 provide military discounts;
3 have senior-discount programs;
6 list student deals;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Massachusetts moving services
Popular Massachusetts routes
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When relocating from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,625 to
$4,463, roughly
$1,559 for a container move, and close to
$548
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
