Local moving companies in Pennsylvania
When you are heading from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 90 Pennsylvania movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Boston, MA.
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8919262
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: BLL Charles Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8925314
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2969363
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
Cost to move from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $970 – $2,835 | $586 – $1,460 | $343 – $604 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,706 – $4,588 | $1,114 – $2,216 | $384 – $768 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,547 – $6,289 | $1,506 – $2,719 | $454 – $859 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 385-mile move from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA, will cost between $970 and $2,835. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,706 to $4,588, and a large move will cost from $2,547 to $6,289.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
If you’re moving from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA, expect to pay between $586 and $1,460 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,114 up to $2,216. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,506 and $2,719. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
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 from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $343 and $604. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $384 and $768. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $454 up to $859 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Armstrong Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Gardner Moving | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Bellhop Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
From our review of 3,180 movers, see how Pennsylvania movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering these services and discounts:
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 51% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Boston, MA to what you’re used to in Pennsylvania. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Boston, MA
| Pennsylvania | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,110 | $3,400 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $89,212 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 151 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 6.2% |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 9.0% |
Boston sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Boston is about 206% higher than in Pennsylvania, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Boston, expect home prices to be about 175% higher than in Pennsylvania. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in Boston are typically 22% higher than in Pennsylvania. That extra income can make it easier to manage your living costs or boost your savings.
- Unemployment in Boston is about 82% higher than in Pennsylvania, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes in Massachusetts come in about 193% higher than in Pennsylvania, which can reduce how much of your earnings you actually keep.
How life is different in Boston from Pennsylvania
| Boston | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 17.62 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the most recent presidential race, both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts leaned Republican.
- Summers in Boston usually hit highs of 82ºF, right in line with the average 83ºF you’re used to in Pennsylvania. So, you can expect a smooth transition in terms of temperature. Still, don’t forget to factor in the local humidity, typical weather patterns, and changes in energy costs to get a full sense of what summer will really feel like in your new place.
- In the coldest months, Boston typically drops to lows of 19ºF. That’s pretty similar to Pennsylvania, where temperatures reach 19ºF. Thankfully, you’ll experience predictable costs with few winter weather–related interruptions to your day-to-day life.
- You’ll get about 47 inches of rain each year in Boston, which is pretty close to the 44 inches you’re familiar with in Pennsylvania. However, even with similar rainfall totals, don’t be surprised if shifts in weather patterns and rainfall timing shake up your daily routine.
- Each year, Boston sees about 48 inches of snowfall, while Pennsylvania averages just 38 inches. With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
- Crime rates in Boston are higher than in Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 39.88 compared to 17.62. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Boston
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Boston truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library
- Museum of Science
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Parks in Boston
- Boston Public Garden
- Boston Common
- Arnold Arboretum
- Charles River Esplanade
- Rose Kennedy Greenway
Sports teams in Boston
- Boston Red Sox (MLB)
- Boston Bruins (NHL)
- Boston Celtics (NBA)
- New England Patriots (NFL)
- New England Revolution (MLS)
Universities in Boston
- Bay State College
- Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
- Berklee College of Music
- Boston Architectural College
- Boston University
Other considerations when moving to Boston, MA
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Massachusetts moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Massachusetts right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Boston take?
How long it takes to move from Pennsylvania to Boston, MA depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern Pennsylvania to Boston? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Boston from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Boston?
With a 385-mile move from Pennsylvania to Boston, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Boston, MA?
Summer highs in Boston can hit 82°F, while winter lows drop to 19°F. That’s why most people moving from Pennsylvania to Boston choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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