How we chose the best moving companies for your ND to PA move
After studying pricing from 11 North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Pennsylvania?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from North Dakota 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 |
$1,397 – $5,643 |
$1,001 – $2,297 |
$909 – $1,709 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,302 – $7,591 |
$1,789 – $3,350 |
$982 – $2,052 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,836 – $10,990 |
$2,225 – $4,747 |
$1,131 – $2,313 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,492-mile move from ND 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 North Dakota to Pennsylvania
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from North Dakota to Pennsylvania will cost between
$1,397 and
$5,643.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from ND to PA will
range from $3,302 to
$7,591, and a large move from North Dakota
to Pennsylvania will cost from $5,836
to $10,990.
Cost of moving containers from North Dakota to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania,
expect to pay between $1,001
and $2,297 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,789 up to
$3,350.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,225 and
$4,747. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Dakota 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
$909 and
$1,709.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $982
and $2,052. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,131 up to
$2,313 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to PA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND to PA
A relocation from North Dakota to Pennsylvania comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Pennsylvania
Comparing expenses in North Dakota 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:
|
North Dakota |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$912 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$263,410 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,959 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.4% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
6.96% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
2.9% |
3.07% |
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Rent in Pennsylvania is approximately 22% higher than in North Dakota, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Home prices are about the same in Pennsylvania and North Dakota, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Pennsylvania and North Dakota.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and North Dakota, 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 in Pennsylvania is about 42% higher than in North Dakota. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
-
Sales tax in Pennsylvania is 9% lower than in North Dakota. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Pennsylvania can really help lower your monthly costs.
-
Income taxes are 6% higher in Pennsylvania than in North Dakota. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. North Dakota
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 North Dakota across important lifestyle factors:
|
Pennsylvania |
North Dakota |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
783,926 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 68-32 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
0ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
19″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
22.74 |
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Pennsylvania is about 1553% more populous than North Dakota.
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 North Dakota and Pennsylvania supported the Republican candidate.
-
In Pennsylvania, summer highs hover around 83°F, while North Dakota sits at 82°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 0°F in North Dakota.
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 19 inches you’re used to in North Dakota.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In Pennsylvania, you’ll get about 38 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, North Dakota averages around 39 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 22.74.
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 North Dakota vs. Pennsylvania
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Pennsylvania versus North Dakota:
| Pros of living in North Dakota |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Peaceful rural life |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Affordable living costs |
Beautiful landscapes |
| High-quality education opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Open rural spaces |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Pennsylvania
Moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in North Dakota |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Long and cold winters |
Harsh winter weather |
| Lack of diversity |
Bad driving conditions |
| Housing shortages |
Nuclear power plants |
| Small populations |
Unpredictable weather |
| Relaxed lifestyle |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your North Dakota 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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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 North Dakota to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from North Dakota to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania?
The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota 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 North Dakota or Pennsylvania?
Living in North Dakota usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is more affordable in North Dakota,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 2% lower than in Pennsylvania.
Taxes are also
lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 6% less than those paid by Pennsylvania 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 North Dakota?
Some movers in North Dakota provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 1 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
North Dakota moving services
Popular North Dakota routes
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When moving from North Dakota to Pennsylvania, expect to spend between
$3,302–$7,591 if using professional movers, about
$2,569 for a moving container, and around
$1,517
for a rental truck.
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