When relocating from New York to Pennsylvania, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,183 to
$3,378, roughly
$1,399 for a container move, and close to
$346
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from New York to Pennsylvania?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $641 – $2,363 | $558 – $1,259 | $216 – $404 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,183 – $3,378 | $957 – $1,842 | $239 – $454 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,592 – $4,387 | $1,331 – $2,303 | $292 – $561 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $641 – $2,363
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,183 – $3,378
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,592 – $4,387
How much do moving containers cost from New York to Pennsylvania?
- Small move: $558 – $1,259
- 2–3 bedrooms: $957 – $1,842
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,331 – $2,303
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $216 – $404
- 2–3 bedrooms: $239 – $454
- 4+ bedrooms: $292 – $561
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 200-mile move from NY to PA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from NY to PA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| New York | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,507 | $1,110 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $73,170 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.52% | 6.34% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.07% |
Will rent be more expensive in Pennsylvania?
Rent is about 26% lower in Pennsylvania than in New York.
Avg rent: $1,507 vs. $1,110
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 44% lower in Pennsylvania than in New York.
Avg home value: $482,742 vs. $268,824
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 10% lower in Pennsylvania than in New York.
Avg income (per capita): $81,386 vs. $73,170
Is the overall cost of living higher in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living is about the same in New York and Pennsylvania.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 99
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 26% lower in Pennsylvania than in New York.
Avg sales tax: 8.52% vs. 6.34%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 72% lower in Pennsylvania than in New York.
State income tax: 10.9% vs. 3.07%
How is daily life different in Pennsylvania compared to New York?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Pennsylvania | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,961,683 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 38″ | 62″ |
| Crime index | 17.62 | 21.51 |
Will Pennsylvania feel more crowded than New York?
Pennsylvania is about 34% less populous than New York — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican while New York voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (83°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (19°F vs. 16°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Pennsylvania?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (44″ vs. 44″).
Snow: Pennsylvania gets less snow (38 inches vs. 62 inches).
Is Pennsylvania safer than New York?
Pennsylvania has a lower crime index than New York (17.62 vs. 21.51), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Pennsylvania?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your New York 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.
- 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.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Pennsylvania, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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.
- 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.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Pennsylvania?
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.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Pennsylvania?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Pennsylvania moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Pennsylvania?
No moving permit is required in Pennsylvania, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“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.
Some movers in New York offer discounts: 7 military discounts; 6 senior discounts; 2 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
New York moving services
Popular New York routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
