How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to PA move
After studying pricing from 101 Virginia 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Virginia to Pennsylvania.
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 |
$876 – $2,638 |
$640 – $1,519 |
$356 – $654 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,558 – $4,274 |
$1,136 – $2,153 |
$354 – $731 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,495 – $6,036 |
$1,462 – $2,800 |
$432 – $894 |
*Estimated costs for a 384-mile move from VA to
PA 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 Virginia to Pennsylvania
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Virginia to Pennsylvania will cost between
$876 and
$2,638.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from VA to PA will
range from $1,558 to
$4,274, and a large move from Virginia
to Pennsylvania will cost from $2,495
to $6,036.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania,
expect to pay between $640
and $1,519 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,136 up to
$2,153.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,462 and
$2,800. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia to Pennsylvania
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
$356 and
$654.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $354
and $731. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $432 up to
$894 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to PA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Virginia to Pennsylvania. 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 Virginia 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 VA to PA
A relocation from Virginia to Pennsylvania comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Pennsylvania
Comparing expenses in Virginia and Pennsylvania 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:
|
Virginia |
Pennsylvania |
| Average rent |
$1,440 |
$1,110 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$268,824 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$73,170 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
3.4% |
| Average sales tax |
5.73% |
6.34% |
| State income tax |
5.75% |
3.07% |
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Expect to pay around 23% less in rent in Pennsylvania than in Virginia, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 32% lower in Pennsylvania than in Virginia.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Pennsylvania are about 16% lower than in Virginia.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Pennsylvania and Virginia, 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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Unemployment in Pennsylvania is about 17% higher than in Virginia. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales taxes are 11% higher in Pennsylvania than in Virginia, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 47% lower in Pennsylvania than in Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Virginia
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 Pennsylvania stacks up against Virginia across important lifestyle factors:
|
Pennsylvania |
Virginia |
| Population |
12,961,683 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
83ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
38″ |
14″ |
| Crime index |
17.62 |
19.3 |
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Pennsylvania is about 49% more populous than Virginia.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, Pennsylvania leaned Republican, while Virginia went with Democratic.
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In Pennsylvania, summer highs hover around 83°F, while Virginia sits at 87°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, Pennsylvania drops to about 19°F while Virginia only reaches 25°F.
Moving to Pennsylvania with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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In Pennsylvania, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, while Virginia 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.
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Every year, Pennsylvania gets around 38 inches of snow, much more than the 14 inches that Virginia typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 19.3.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Pennsylvania
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Pennsylvania versus Virginia:
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
| Strong economy |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful scenery |
Abundant fun and recreational activities |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Strong military presence |
Excellent education options |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Pennsylvania
Moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
| High cost of living |
Harsh winter weather |
| Unpredictable weather |
Bad driving conditions |
| Bad traffic congestion |
Nuclear power plants |
| Lack of public transportation |
Unpredictable weather |
| Air noise pollution |
High taxes on gasoline |
Other things to consider for your Virginia to Pennsylvania 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.
-
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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 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:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Pennsylvania
Get ready to discover all that Pennsylvania has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania?
The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania are the amazing upsides of living in Pennsylvania, such as low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Pennsylvania?
Living in Pennsylvania usually costs less than in Virginia.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is 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 Pennsylvania?
You should make approximately $56,150 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Pennsylvania.
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is about $2,452 per month for an individual and $5,603 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Virginia?
Some movers in Virginia provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 3 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Virginia to Pennsylvania, expect to spend between
$1,558–$4,274 if using professional movers, about
$1,644 for a moving container, and around
$542
for a rental truck.
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