How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to VA move
After studying pricing from 106 Pennsylvania movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to Virginia?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Pennsylvania to Virginia.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$951 – $2,920 |
$592 – $1,431 |
$353 – $592 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,624 – $4,319 |
$1,092 – $2,216 |
$380 – $739 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,761 – $6,289 |
$1,418 – $2,639 |
$459 – $903 |
*Estimated costs for a 381-mile move from PA to
VA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Virginia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Virginia will cost between
$951 and
$2,920.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to VA will
range from $1,624 to
$4,319, and a large move from Pennsylvania
to Virginia will cost from $2,761
to $6,289.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Virginia
If you’re moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia,
expect to pay between $592
and $1,431 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,092 up to
$2,216.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,418 and
$2,639. 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 Virginia
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 with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$353 and
$592.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $380
and $739. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $459 up to
$903 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to VA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Pennsylvania is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from PA to VA
A relocation from Pennsylvania to Virginia comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Virginia
Comparing expenses in Pennsylvania and Virginia shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Pennsylvania |
Virginia |
| Average rent |
$1,110 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of living index |
99 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
2.9% |
| Average sales tax |
6.34% |
5.73% |
| State income tax |
3.07% |
5.75% |
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Rent in Virginia is approximately 30% higher than in Pennsylvania, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 46% higher in Virginia than in Pennsylvania.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 19% higher in Virginia compared to Pennsylvania. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Virginia and Pennsylvania, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 15% lower than Pennsylvania, Virginia boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales tax in Virginia is 10% lower than in Pennsylvania. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Virginia can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 87% higher in Virginia 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 Virginia vs. Pennsylvania
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Virginia stacks up against Pennsylvania across important lifestyle factors:
|
Virginia |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
14″ |
38″ |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
17.62 |
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With a population about 33% smaller than Pennsylvania, Virginia offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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In the most recent presidential election, Virginia leaned Democratic, while Pennsylvania went with Republican.
-
In Virginia, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Pennsylvania sits at 83°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Virginia bottoms out around 25°F, compared to 19°F in Pennsylvania.
A move to Virginia with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
In Virginia, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, while Pennsylvania sees around 44 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Virginia, you can expect about 14 inches of snow each year, much less than the 38 inches you’d deal with in Pennsylvania.
So, if you’re moving to Virginia, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Virginia has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 19.3 vs. 17.62.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Virginia
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Virginia versus Pennsylvania:
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Low cost of living |
Strong economy |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Beautiful scenery |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Excellent education options |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Virginia
Moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| Harsh winter weather |
High cost of living |
| Bad driving conditions |
Unpredictable weather |
| Nuclear power plants |
Bad traffic congestion |
| Unpredictable weather |
Lack of public transportation |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to Virginia move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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State licensing:
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Virginia moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Virginia, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Virginia without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Virginia
Get ready to discover all that Virginia has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Virginia
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Historic Jamestowne
- Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe
- Military Aviation Museum
Parks in Virginia
- Mill Mountain Star & Park
- Morven Park
- The Mariners’ Museum & Park
- Great Falls Park
- Leesylvania State Park
Sports teams in Virginia
- Fredericksburg Nationals (Low-A East)
- Loudoun United FC (USL Championship)
- Lynchburg Hillcats (Low-A East)
- Norfolk Admirals (ECHL)
- Norfolk Tides Baseball (Triple-A East)
Universities in Virginia
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- College of William & Mary
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Virginia?
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia, such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Virginia?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in Virginia.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 23% less and home prices 32% lower than in Virginia.
Taxes are also
lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
You should make approximately $72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia.
The cost of living in Virginia is about $19,977 per month for an individual and $4,783 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Neabsco and Virginia Beach tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Pennsylvania?
Some movers in Pennsylvania provide budget-friendly deals.
In Pennsylvania, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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When moving from Pennsylvania to Virginia, expect to spend between
$1,624–$4,319 if using professional movers, about
$1,654 for a moving container, and around
$559
for a rental truck.
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