Best Movers from Pennsylvania to California (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: When you’re moving from Pennsylvania to California, you’ll typically spend between $2,034 and $9,684. Most moves take around seven–21 days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Pennsylvania guide.
Our track record
The best Pennsylvania to California full-service movers
Heading from Pennsylvania to California? With so many moving companies out there, finding the perfect interstate mover can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you, narrowing down the top picks based on positive customer reviews, transparent pricing, and standout services.
Kick off your move to California with these leading long-distance moving companies that serve Pennsylvania.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Pennsylvania
Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in Pennsylvania, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
- Unexpected charges
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 8925314
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2969363
Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been a trusted local residential moving company in and around Exton, PA since 2018. With an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, safes, and antiques, they outshine many nearby competitors. Their stellar reputation is backed by numerous positive reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a perfect score of 5.0 on Google. Additionally, their A rating from the Better Business Bureau further cements their standing as a reputable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Hard-to-resolve claims
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 74
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Armstrong Relocation, a local moving company in Mount Joy, PA, has been providing residential moving services since 1950. They distinguish themselves with a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, as well as the expertise to move pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many nearby competitors, Armstrong Relocation accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive 205 reviews on Google averaging 4.7 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their strong reputation is a testament to their reliability and customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Careful handling
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unprofessional behavior
Company Info
State license #: 8919262
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: BLL Charles Inc
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been serving the Glenshaw, PA area with reliable local residential moving services since 2018. Renowned for its comprehensive offerings, such as office moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, this company stands out among local competitors. Clients appreciate their no-deposit policy and credit card payment options, evidenced by an impressive 4.7-star average from 853 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though Yelp reviews are more mixed. Overall, College Hunks offers a trustworthy and versatile moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Don Farr Moving & Storage, a trusted name in West Mifflin, PA since 1982, specializes in local residential moving services. While consumer reviews are mixed, with average ratings of 2.2 on Yelp and 3.6 on Google, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau stands out. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialty moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Compared to other nearby movers, Don Farr's extensive experience and variety of services make them a solid choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
South Hills Movers, a trusted name in Bethel Park, PA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1931. With an impressive array of offerings that include packing, unpacking, and specialized services for moving pianos, art, and antiques, they cater to a wide range of customer needs. While their Yelp profile shows a modest rating, they boast a stronger 4.1 average on Google and a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating a generally positive reputation. Compared to other nearby movers, South Hills Movers stands out for their long history and comprehensive service options, making them a reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best Pennsylvania to California moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in Pennsylvania and delivering it to your new place in California.
Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:
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The best Pennsylvania to California moving truck rentals
Want to save money on your move from Pennsylvania to California? Consider renting a moving truck. With this option, you'll do all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best Pennsylvania to California labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from Pennsylvania to California.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA move
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to California?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania to California, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,540 - $6,414 | $1,777 - $4,342 | $1,953 - $3,566 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,672 - $9,684 | $2,910 - $6,711 | $2,034 - $4,159 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,876 - $14,427 | $4,435 - $8,626 | $2,699 - $5,371 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,731 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to California, you can expect to spend between $1,540 and $6,414. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,672 to $9,684 on the same route (PA to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to California typically runs between $8,876 and $14,427.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
Moving containers from Pennsylvania to California will cost you $1,777 to $4,342 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,910 to $6,711. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,435 to $8,626. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California
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 $1,953 and $3,566. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $2,034 to $4,159. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,699 and $5,371.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to CA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Pennsylvania to California. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
- Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in Pennsylvania.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.
What to know before moving from PA to CA
If you’re making the move from Pennsylvania to California, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. California
Before you move, it’s smart to see how cost of living compares between Pennsylvania and California. This quick, side-by-side breakdown covers essentials like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a better idea of how your budget might be affected. Check out how these two states stack up when it comes to cost of living:
Pennsylvania | California | |
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Average rent cost | $1,110 | $1,856 |
Average home cost | $268,824 | $771,057 |
Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $91,905 |
Cost of Living Index | 99 | 134 |
Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 5.4% |
Average Sales Tax | 6.34% | 8.68% |
State Income Tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 67% more expensive in California than in Pennsylvania; make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 187% higher in California than in Pennsylvania.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 26% higher in California than in Pennsylvania, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living is 35% higher in California than in Pennsylvania. If you're making the move to California with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 59%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring processes.
- Sales taxes are 37% higher in California than in Pennsylvania. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 333% higher in California than in Pennsylvania. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in California vs. Pennsylvania
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in California versus Pennsylvania across some essential lifestyle factors:
California | Pennsylvania | |
---|---|---|
Population | 39,029,342 | 12,961,683 |
Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 51-49 |
Summer high | 87ºF | 83ºF |
Winter low | 59ºF | 19ºF |
Annual rain | 22" | 44" |
Annual snow | 7" | 38" |
Crime index | 28.43 | 17.62 |
- California is about 201% more populous than Pennsylvania. With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure—better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
- In the latest presidential election, California voted Democratic, while Pennsylvania chose Republican.
- Summer highs typically reach 87ºF in California and 83ºF in Pennsylvania. Since those temps are similar, adjusting to your new home’s climate should be a breeze. Just remember to also consider humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs for a true sense of what summer will be like.
- During winter, temperatures in California drop to around 59ºF, while Pennsylvania can plunge as low as 19ºF. Moving to California means you’ll enjoy milder winters—think easier living, lower costs, and more opportunities to get outside. If you’re looking to trade snow shovels for sunshine, this move is right up your alley.
- In California, you’ll get about 22 inches of rain each year, less than the 44 inches you’re used to in Pennsylvania. That means more sun, more time outside, and fewer weather hassles to hold you back.
- In California, you’ll only get about 7 inches of snow each year, much less than Pennsylvania, which sees around 38 inches annually. That means moving to California brings milder winters, less time shoveling snow, lower maintenance, and fewer weather issues, making your cold seasons much easier.
- California reports a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 28.43 versus 17.62. A higher statewide rate shouldn’t automatically deter you from moving, but it’s wise to look into specific neighborhoods, stay informed about local safety, and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. California
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in California versus Pennsylvania.
Pros of living in Pennsylvania | Pros of living in California |
---|---|
Low cost of living | Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant fun and recreational activities | Pleasant weather |
Beautiful landscapes | Abundant recreational options |
Ample economic opportunity | High quality of life |
Excellent education options | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. California
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from Pennsylvania to California, keep these tips in mind.
Cons of living in Pennsylvania | Cons of living in California |
---|---|
Harsh winter weather | High cost of living |
Bad driving conditions | Heavy tax burdens |
Nuclear power plants | Natural disasters |
Unpredictable weather | Terrible traffic |
High taxes on gasoline | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- 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 California
You’ll have plenty to explore in California! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego