Local moving companies in Houston
Out of 49 Houston movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Pennsylvania.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
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 #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Houston, TX
At a glance, the number of Houston movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Houston, TX to Pennsylvania
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Houston to Pennsylvania with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 – $4,872 | $1,011 – $2,340 | $905 – $1,842 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,940 – $6,644 | $1,841 – $3,451 | $1,038 – $2,044 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,195 – $9,617 | $2,337 – $4,711 | $1,195 – $2,524 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,562-mile move from Houston, TX, to Pennsylvania using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Pennsylvania
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Pennsylvania typically costs between $1,162 and $4,872. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,940 and $6,644. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,195 up to $9,617.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Pennsylvania
If you’re relocating from Houston to Pennsylvania, you’ll typically spend between $1,011 and $2,340 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,841 up to $3,451. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,337 and $4,711. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Houston.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Pennsylvania
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 from Houston to Pennsylvania, expect to pay between $905 and $1,842. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,038 to $2,044. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,195 and $2,524.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to PA
The cost of a move in Houston can change based on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have, as well as your home size and layout, will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Peak summer months in Houston often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Houston to PA
When you move to Pennsylvania from Houston, TX, expect living costs to be largely equivalent. Your financial planning may not require significant changes, yet it’s advisable to analyze the expenses to pinpoint any minor discrepancies.
Compare cost of living: Houston vs. Pennsylvania
| Houston, TX | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,549 | $1,110 |
| Average home cost | $263,945 | $268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $73,170 |
| Cost of living index | 97 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.4% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
Pennsylvania sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 28% lower in Pennsylvania than in Houston, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- The cost of homes in Pennsylvania is similar to Houston, so your monthly mortgage budget should remain steady.
- The average income is about equal in Pennsylvania and Houston, meaning your budget should hold up just fine.
- Since cost of living levels are so similar in Pennsylvania and Houston, you won’t see much financial change after relocating.
- The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is around 17% lower than in Houston, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Pennsylvania has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Houston, TX from Pennsylvania
When planning a move from Houston to Pennsylvania, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Houston behind for life in Pennsylvania.
| Houston, TX | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 43ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 53″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 17.62 |
Pennsylvania Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both Houston and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
- Summers in Pennsylvania average 83ºF, while Houston hits highs of 94ºF. Opting for a cooler destination means less heat, lower energy bills, and more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, perfect if you prioritize comfort and enjoy spending time outside.
- Colder winters await in Pennsylvania, where lows average 19ºF, compared to Houston at 43ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- In Pennsylvania, rainfall totals about 44 inches a year, less than the 53 inches you’re used to in Houston. More sunshine and fewer rainy days make it easier to get outside and enjoy your new home.
- Pennsylvania gets about 38 inches of snow each year, while Houston sees none. Moving to Pennsylvania means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Pennsylvania has a lower crime index of 17.62 versus Houston at 63.5, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Comparing the pros of Houston, TX versus Pennsylvania:
Relocating can open up a world of new experiences. Discover the unique charms of Houston when set against Pennsylvania.
| Pros of living in Houston, TX | Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Delicious seafood | Beautiful landscapes |
| Diversity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Affordable housing | Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of Houston, TX versus Pennsylvania:
While venturing from Houston to Pennsylvania, be mindful of the potential hurdles you may encounter.
| Cons of living in Houston, TX | Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Tropical storms | Harsh winter weather |
| Heat and humidity | Bad driving conditions |
| Terrible traffic | Nuclear power plants |
| Limited public transportation | Unpredictable weather |
| High crime rate | High taxes on gasoline |
Other considerations when moving to Pennsylvania
If you’re relocating from Houston to Pennsylvania, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Pennsylvania moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Pennsylvania without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Pennsylvania
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Pennsylvania has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Pennsylvania
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- The Hershey Story Museum
- National Civil War Museum
- SteelStacks
- Steamtown National Historic Site
Parks in Pennsylvania
- Gettysburg National Military Park
- Presque Isle State Park
- Core Creek Park
- Allentown Fish Hatchery
- Rocky Ridge County Park
Sports teams in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania
- Penn State University
- Carnegie Mellon University.
- University of Pittsburgh
- Temple University
FAQ
How long does a move from Houston to Pennsylvania take?
The time it takes to move from Houston, TX, to Pennsylvania ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take four to 15 days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Houston offer custom-built crate services?
21 movers in Houston list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Houston mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Houston to Pennsylvania?
Need to ship your car from Houston to Pennsylvania? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Texas to Pennsylvania.
Why are people moving from Houston to Pennsylvania?
Many people are moving to Pennsylvania because of its low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities. On the other hand, people are moving away from Houston because of the tropical storms and heat and humidity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Pennsylvania.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Houston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Houston.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Houston, TX?
THere are currently, eight movers in Houston that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Texas moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!