How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to DE move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 106 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania to Delaware?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania to Delaware.
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 |
$813 – $2,707 |
$584 – $1,352 |
$287 – $545 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,391 – $4,223 |
$1,059 – $2,069 |
$321 – $632 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,962 – $5,760 |
$1,384 – $2,643 |
$393 – $739 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 275-mile move from PA to
DE 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 Pennsylvania to Delaware
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Delaware typically costs between
$813 and
$2,707.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$1,391
and $4,223
when moving from PA to DE.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Pennsylvania to Delaware,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $1,962
up to $5,760.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Delaware
If you’re relocating from Pennsylvania to Delaware,
you’ll typically spend between $584
and $1,352 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,059 up to
$2,069.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,384 and
$2,643. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Delaware
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
$287 and
$545.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$321 to
$632.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $393 and
$739.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to DE
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Pennsylvania to Delaware. 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 Pennsylvania, 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 PA to DE
Transitioning from Pennsylvania to Delaware gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Delaware
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Pennsylvania and Delaware are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Pennsylvania |
Delaware |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$1,286 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$388,654 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$79,325 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
0.0% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
6.6% |
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Rent is about 16% more expensive in Delaware than in Pennsylvania. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Delaware are roughly 45% higher than in Pennsylvania.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 8% more in Delaware than in Pennsylvania. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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With a similar cost of living in both Pennsylvania and Delaware, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 12% lower than Pennsylvania, Delaware offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Delaware doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on regular purchases compared to Pennsylvania.
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Income taxes are 115% higher in Delaware compared to Pennsylvania. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Delaware vs. Pennsylvania
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 Delaware and Pennsylvania compare.
|
Delaware |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
1,031,890 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 57-43 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
45″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
13″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
23.48 |
17.62 |
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With a population roughly 92% smaller than Pennsylvania, Delaware gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses.
Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
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In the last presidential election, Delaware leaned Democratic, while Pennsylvania supported Republican.
-
The average summer high in Delaware is 87°F, while Pennsylvania averages 83°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.
-
In winter, Delaware drops only to 25°F, milder than 19°F in Pennsylvania.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
In Delaware, you’ll experience about 45 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 44 inches you’re used to in Pennsylvania.
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.
-
In Delaware, it only snows about 13 inches annually while Pennsylvania gets 38 inches.
Moving to Delaware, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Delaware has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 23.48 compared to 17.62.
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 Pennsylvania vs. Delaware
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Delaware to Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Delaware |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
High-quality healthcare |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful beaches |
| Excellent education options |
Rich culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Delaware
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Pennsylvania to Delaware:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Delaware |
| Harsh winter weather |
Hurricanes |
| Bad driving conditions |
High crime rate |
| Nuclear power plants |
Overcrowding |
| Unpredictable weather |
High cost of living |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Limited public transportation |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to Delaware 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.
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State licensing:
Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. 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 Delaware moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Delaware, 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 Delaware. 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. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
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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 Delaware
Get excited to explore Delaware. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Delaware
- Nemours Estate
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Hagley Museum And Library
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park
Parks in Delaware
- Glasgow Park
- Battery Park
- First State Heritage Park
- Iron Hill Park
- Browns Branch County Park
Sports teams in Delaware
- Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)
- Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (NCAA)
- Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)
- Southern Delaware Rollergirls (WFTDA)
Universities in Delaware
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wilmington University
- Goldey-Beacom College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Delaware?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Delaware?
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
Pennsylvania to
Delaware
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Delaware?
Many people are making the move from Pennsylvania to Delaware to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Delaware has to offer, like bountiful recreational opportunities and high-quality healthcare.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Delaware?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in Delaware.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 31% lower than in Delaware.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Delaware residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Delaware?
Planning to move to Delaware? A single adult should aim for an income of around $59,688 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $3,428 for an individual, or $6,148 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Wilmington and Dover usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Pennsylvania?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Pennsylvania:
1 movers offer AAA member savings;
1 provide military discounts;
2 have senior-discount programs;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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When relocating from Pennsylvania to Delaware, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,391 to
$4,223, roughly
$1,564 for a container move, and close to
$476
for a rental truck.
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