How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to MI move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 106 Pennsylvania moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
-
Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
-
Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
-
Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
-
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
-
Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania to Michigan.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,077 – $3,416 |
$722 – $1,627 |
$445 – $902 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,067 – $4,870 |
$1,302 – $2,465 |
$480 – $988 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,687 – $7,169 |
$1,690 – $3,066 |
$637 – $1,244 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 633-mile move from PA to
MI using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Michigan
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan,
you can expect prices to land between $1,077
and $3,416.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,067 to
$4,870 for the trip from PA
to MI. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,687 and
$7,169.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Michigan
Moving containers from Pennsylvania to Michigan
will cost you $722 to
$1,627 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,302
to $2,465. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,690 to
$3,066.
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 Michigan
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$445
and $902
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $480
to $988.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$637
to $1,244.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to MI
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
-
Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Pennsylvania generally comes with a higher price tag.
-
DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from PA to MI
Making the move from Pennsylvania to Michigan means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Michigan
A clear look at the cost differences between Pennsylvania and Michigan helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Pennsylvania |
Michigan |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$1,037 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$68,505 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
92 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
4.7% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
4.25% |
-
You’ll pay about 7% less in rent in Michigan compared to Pennsylvania, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
-
Home prices in Michigan are around 9% lower than in Pennsylvania. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
-
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 6% lower Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
-
Living in Michigan costs about 7% less than in Pennsylvania. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
-
Unemployment in Michigan is roughly 38% higher than in Pennsylvania. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
-
No need to worry about sales tax since rates are similar in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
-
State income taxes in Michigan are 38% higher than in Pennsylvania, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Michigan vs. Pennsylvania
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Michigan and Pennsylvania compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Michigan |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
10,037,261 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
14ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
34″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
64″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
19.98 |
17.62 |
-
The population of Michigan is about 23% smaller than that of Pennsylvania.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
-
Pennsylvania and Michigan both voted Republican in the last election.
-
Summer highs average 81°F in Michigan, compared to 83°F in Pennsylvania.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Michigan hover around 14°F, while Pennsylvania averages 19°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect only about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan versus 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
-
Each year, Michigan gets about 64 inches of snow, while Pennsylvania sees only 38 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
-
Michigan has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with crime indexes at 19.98 and 17.62, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Michigan
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Michigan compared to Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Michigan |
| Low cost of living |
Scenic beauty |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Good higher education |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Excellent education options |
Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Michigan
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Pennsylvania to Michigan:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Michigan |
| Harsh winter weather |
Cold snowy winters |
| Bad driving conditions |
Spotty economic opportunity |
| Nuclear power plants |
Poor transportation infrastructure |
| Unpredictable weather |
Expensive education |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to Michigan move
-
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:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
State licensing:
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Michigan moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
-
Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Michigan, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Michigan right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
-
Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Michigan
You’ll have plenty to explore in Michigan! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Michigan?
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Pennsylvania for Michigan, drawn by advantages like scenic beauty and good higher education that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Michigan?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is much more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 7% less and home prices 9% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Michigan residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Michigan?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Michigan, you should aim to make around $54,934.
On average, expect to spend about $3,608 per month, or $6,859 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Pennsylvania?
Many movers in Pennsylvania publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
See All
Hide All
For a move from Pennsylvania to Michigan, budget between $2,067–$4,870 for full-service movers, around
$1,883 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$734
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
