How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to PA move
After studying pricing from 12 Montana 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 Montana to Pennsylvania?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Montana 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 |
$1,441 – $5,288 |
$1,050 – $2,678 |
$1,135 – $1,998 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,631 – $8,356 |
$1,929 – $4,042 |
$1,181 – $2,354 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$6,965 – $12,615 |
$2,588 – $5,446 |
$1,401 – $2,912 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,938-mile move from MT 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 Montana to Pennsylvania
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Montana to Pennsylvania will cost between
$1,441 and
$5,288.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MT to PA will
range from $3,631 to
$8,356, and a large move from Montana
to Pennsylvania will cost from $6,965
to $12,615.
Cost of moving containers from Montana to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving from Montana to Pennsylvania,
expect to pay between $1,050
and $2,678 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,929 up to
$4,042.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,588 and
$5,446. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Montana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana 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
$1,135 and
$1,998.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,181
and $2,354. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,401 up to
$2,912 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to PA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Montana 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 Montana 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 MT to PA
A relocation from Montana to Pennsylvania comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Montana vs. Pennsylvania
Comparing expenses in Montana 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:
|
Montana |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$974 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$462,631 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,341 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.3% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
0.0% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
6.75% |
3.07% |
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Rent in Pennsylvania is approximately 14% higher than in Montana, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 42% lower in Pennsylvania than in Montana.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 10% higher in Pennsylvania compared to Montana. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and Montana, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment rates are similar in both Montana and Pennsylvania, so you probably won’t notice much change in job prospects or competition once you relocate.
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Pennsylvania has a sales tax, while Montana does not. Expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
-
Income taxes are 55% lower in Pennsylvania than in Montana. 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. Montana
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 Montana across important lifestyle factors:
|
Pennsylvania |
Montana |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
1,132,812 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
12ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
49″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
23.37 |
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Pennsylvania is about 1044% more populous than Montana.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
-
During the last presidential election, both Montana and Pennsylvania supported the Republican candidate.
-
In Pennsylvania, summer highs hover around 83°F, while Montana sits at 84°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 bottoms out around 19°F, compared to 12°F in Montana.
A move to Pennsylvania with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 44 inches of rain each year in Pennsylvania, a noticeable difference from the 15 inches you’re used to in Montana.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In Pennsylvania, you can expect about 38 inches of snow each year, much less than the 49 inches you’d deal with in Montana.
So, if you’re moving to Pennsylvania, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than Montana with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 23.37.
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 Montana vs. Pennsylvania
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Pennsylvania versus Montana:
| Pros of living in Montana |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Unmatched natural beauty |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Delicious unique cuisine |
Ample economic opportunity |
| No traffic |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Pennsylvania
Moving from Montana to Pennsylvania comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Montana |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Dangerous wildlife |
Harsh winter weather |
| Remote lifestyle |
Bad driving conditions |
| Touristy |
Nuclear power plants |
| Lacking in urban amenities |
Unpredictable weather |
| Challenging weather |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Montana 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Montana to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from Montana to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from Montana to Pennsylvania?
The main reasons people are moving from Montana 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 Montana or Pennsylvania?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in Montana.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 42% lower than in Montana.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Montana 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 Montana?
Some movers in Montana provide budget-friendly deals.
In Montana, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Montana to Pennsylvania, expect to spend between
$3,631–$8,356 if using professional movers, about
$2,985 for a moving container, and around
$1,767
for a rental truck.
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