How we chose the best moving companies for your MO to PA move
After studying pricing from 57 Missouri movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Missouri to Pennsylvania?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Missouri to Pennsylvania.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,063 – $4,048 |
$759 – $1,919 |
$579 – $1,150 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,180 – $5,468 |
$1,404 – $2,752 |
$670 – $1,354 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,908 – $7,343 |
$1,852 – $3,643 |
$840 – $1,661 |
*Estimated costs for a 904-mile move from MO to
PA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Missouri to Pennsylvania
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missouri to Pennsylvania will cost between
$1,063 and
$4,048.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MO to PA will
range from $2,180 to
$5,468, and a large move from Missouri
to Pennsylvania will cost from $3,908
to $7,343.
Cost of moving containers from Missouri to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania,
expect to pay between $759
and $1,919 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,404 up to
$2,752.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,852 and
$3,643. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Missouri.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missouri to Pennsylvania
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$579 and
$1,150.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $670
and $1,354. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $840 up to
$1,661 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MO to PA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Missouri to Pennsylvania. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Missouri is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MO to PA
A relocation from Missouri to Pennsylvania comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Missouri vs. Pennsylvania
Comparing expenses in Missouri and Pennsylvania shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Missouri |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$957 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$248,327 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$65,920 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
88 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.8% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
4.03% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
4.8% |
3.07% |
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Rent in Pennsylvania is approximately 16% higher than in Missouri, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 8% higher in Pennsylvania than in Missouri.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 11% higher in Pennsylvania compared to Missouri. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Moving to Pennsylvania means you’ll be paying 13% more than you did in Missouri. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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With an unemployment rate about 11% lower than Missouri, Pennsylvania boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 57% higher in Pennsylvania than in Missouri, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 36% lower in Pennsylvania than in Missouri. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Missouri
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Pennsylvania stacks up against Missouri across important lifestyle factors:
|
Pennsylvania |
Missouri |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
6,196,156 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 59-41 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
20ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
43″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
13″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
28.28 |
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Pennsylvania is about 109% more populous than Missouri.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Missouri and Pennsylvania supported the Republican candidate.
-
In Pennsylvania, summer highs hover around 83°F, while Missouri sits at 88°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches about 19°F and Missouri gets down to 20°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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In Pennsylvania, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, while Missouri sees around 43 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Every year, Pennsylvania gets around 38 inches of snow, much more than the 13 inches that Missouri typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than Missouri with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 28.28.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Missouri vs. Pennsylvania
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Pennsylvania versus Missouri:
| Pros of living in Missouri |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Delicious barbecue |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Missouri vs. Pennsylvania
Moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Missouri |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Severe weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| High crime rate |
Bad driving conditions |
| Low quality of life |
Nuclear power plants |
| Low wages |
Unpredictable weather |
| Poor healthcare |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Missouri to Pennsylvania move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Pennsylvania without a hitch. Get started here.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Pennsylvania
Get ready to discover all that Pennsylvania has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Missouri to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from Missouri to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania?
The main reasons people are moving from Missouri 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 Missouri or Pennsylvania?
Living in Missouri usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is more affordable in Missouri,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 8% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Missouri residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?
You should make approximately $56,150 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Pennsylvania.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is about $2,452 per month for an individual and $5,603 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Missouri?
Some movers in Missouri provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 3 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Missouri to Pennsylvania, expect to spend between
$2,180–$5,468 if using professional movers, about
$2,078 for a moving container, and around
$1,012
for a rental truck.
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