How we chose the best moving companies for your NJ to PA move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 87 New Jersey 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 New Jersey to Pennsylvania?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from New Jersey 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 |
$721 – $2,574 |
$555 – $1,267 |
$244 – $481 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,279 – $3,635 |
$1,048 – $1,993 |
$288 – $570 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,713 – $5,264 |
$1,286 – $2,315 |
$339 – $617 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 233-mile move from NJ 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 New Jersey to Pennsylvania
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New Jersey to Pennsylvania typically costs between
$721 and
$2,574.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,279
and $3,635
when moving from NJ to PA.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from New Jersey to Pennsylvania,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,713
up to $5,264.
Cost of moving containers from New Jersey to Pennsylvania
If you’re relocating from New Jersey to Pennsylvania,
you’ll typically spend between $555
and $1,267 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,048 up to
$1,993.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,286 and
$2,315. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from New Jersey.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Jersey 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
$244 and
$481.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$288 to
$570.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $339 and
$617.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NJ to PA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from New Jersey 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 New Jersey, 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 NJ to PA
Transitioning from New Jersey 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: New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between New Jersey and Pennsylvania are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
New Jersey |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$1,368 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$534,773 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$97,126 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
114 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
6.6% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
10.7% |
3.07% |
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Rent is about 19% less expensive in Pennsylvania than in New Jersey, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
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Home prices in Pennsylvania are about 50% lower than in New Jersey, 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 25% lower than in New Jersey.
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Moving to Pennsylvania costs about 13% less than living in New Jersey. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 28% lower than New Jersey, Pennsylvania offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax rates are similar in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, so this won’t affect your cost of living when you relocate.
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Income taxes are 71% lower in Pennsylvania compared to New Jersey. 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. New Jersey
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 New Jersey compare.
|
Pennsylvania |
New Jersey |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
9,290,841 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Democratic 52-46.1 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
85ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
22ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
23″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
16.2 |
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If you’re moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, you’ll find Pennsylvania has about 40% 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 New Jersey supported Democratic.
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The average summer high in Pennsylvania is 83°F, while New Jersey averages 85°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 New Jersey sees lows of 22°F.
With temperatures so close, you can expect a smooth transition between climates.
-
In Pennsylvania, you’ll experience about 44 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 48 inches you’re used to in New Jersey.
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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Each year, Pennsylvania gets about 38 inches of snow, far more than the 23 inches you might be accustomed to in New Jersey.
That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
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Pennsylvania has a higher crime rate than New Jersey, with a crime index of 17.62 compared to 16.2.
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 New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Pennsylvania to New Jersey:
| Pros of living in New Jersey |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Low cost of living |
| Diversity |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| World-class entertainment |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Leading education |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Superb health care |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from New Jersey to Pennsylvania:
| Cons of living in New Jersey |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| Extreme weather |
Harsh winter weather |
| Congested population |
Bad driving conditions |
| High cost of living |
Nuclear power plants |
| High tax burden |
Unpredictable weather |
| Terrible traffic |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your New Jersey 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.
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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.
-
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 New Jersey to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
New Jersey to
Pennsylvania
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New Jersey to Pennsylvania?
Many people are making the move from New Jersey 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 New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in New Jersey.
Housing
is more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 19% less and home prices 50% lower than in New Jersey.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in New Jersey:
2 movers offer AAA member savings;
3 provide military discounts;
4 have senior-discount programs;
1 list student deals;
1 extend special rates to law enforcement.
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
New Jersey moving services
Popular New Jersey routes
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When relocating from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,279 to
$3,635, roughly
$1,520 for a container move, and close to
$429
for a rental truck.
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