How Much Do Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Pennsylvania is $128 per hour, with an average total move cost between $453 and $4,199. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.

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Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Pennsylvania

The cost of an interstate — also known as “out-of-state” — move from Pennsylvania is naturally more complex. Because of the added logistics, interstate relocations are calculated differently than a simpler move within the same city or from one Pennsylvania town to another.

Interstate move costs are determined based on the total volume and weight of your belongings, instead of hourly rates like with local moves. Moving out-of-state typically means longer drive times than in-state relocations, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices.

Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and fluctuations in seasonal demand can all drive up your overall interstate moving expenses.

Below are sample price ranges for some popular moving routes.

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Pennsylvania

Now that you have an idea of what your move from Pennsylvania should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Pennsylvania.

Best interstate moving companies in Pennsylvania

Affordability and pricing accuracy are two key factors we use to rate interstate movers. But it’s important to balance cost with customer satisfaction and service options, so that you’re getting the best moving package for your budget — and not just a budget-rate relocation.

Compare pricing and standout features for each of the companies on our list of top interstate movers in Pennsylvania:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Pennsylvania move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Average cost to hire a local moving company in PA

The cost to hire a local Pennsylvania moving company for an in-state relocation depends primarily on home size and distance.

For moves of 50 miles or less in Pennsylvania, local movers will charge you an hourly rate determined by the truck and moving crew sizes needed.

In-state long-distance moves in Pennsylvania are priced like interstate moves — according to the total volume and weight of belongings, rather than by the hour. Like interstate moves, in-state — or “intrastate” — moves from one city to another are considered long-distance if they are more than 400 miles (although some movers set the minimum at over 100 miles).

Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional mover in Pennsylvania.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $453 $179 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $632 $179 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $1,025 $250 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,378 $351 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,729 $351 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,199 $491 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $179.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $179 per hour for four hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in Pennsylvania will cost about $250 an hour. You'll likely need three movers for five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $351 for Pennsylvania movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
  • Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Pennsylvania will take four movers approximately nine hours, at a rate of $351 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Pennsylvania movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $491 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about ten hours.

City moving costs in Pennsylvania

Best local moving companies in Pennsylvania

Staying in Pennsylvania and moving just a short distance? You’ll want to find a local moving company that provides services you need without breaking the bank.

Check out our picks for the best Pennsylvania movers to compare cost and services:

Pros
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (23%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
  • Damage to items (18%)
Review Analysis
Zip to Zip Moving Inc has 264 customer reviews, with 87% of them being positive. Many customers praised the company for their efficient service and professional staff, highlighting how easy the moving process was. Feedback also noted that the movers were friendly and took great care of belongings. However, some consumers expressed concerns about unexpected charges and communication issues. Despite these negatives, the majority of customers reported a positive experience, making Zip to Zip a solid choice for moving services compared to others in the industry.
Get a Quote (484) 214-2143

Company Info

State license #: 8925314

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 2969363


Zip to Zip Moving Inc has been a trusted local residential moving company in and around Exton, PA since 2018. With an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, safes, and antiques, they outshine many nearby competitors. Their stellar reputation is backed by numerous positive reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and a perfect score of 5.0 on Google. Additionally, their A rating from the Better Business Bureau further cements their standing as a reputable choice for local moves.

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
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Review Analysis
Armstrong Relocation has 224 customer reviews, with 85% being positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Reviewers noted that the movers were professional and worked quickly. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damaged items, unexpected charges, and delayed delivery. While most feedback highlights Armstrong as a reliable choice, a few experiences suggest room for improvement in communication and handling claims.
Get a Quote (717) 492-4155

Company Info

State license #: 8917264

Years in Business: 74

DOT #: 1170867

Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage


Armstrong Relocation, a local moving company in Mount Joy, PA, has been providing residential moving services since 1950. They distinguish themselves with a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, as well as the expertise to move pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many nearby competitors, Armstrong Relocation accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive 205 reviews on Google averaging 4.7 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their strong reputation is a testament to their reliability and customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (37%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Good communication (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Forward Moving LLC has 226 online customer reviews, 90% of which are positive. Customers consistently praise the company's efficiency, professionalism, and care for belongings during moves. Many noted the friendly staff and clear communication throughout the process. However, some customers reported issues with damages to items and challenges with refunds for canceled services. Overall, Forward Moving stands out in the moving industry for its reliable service and strong customer satisfaction.
Get a Quote (484) 473-4605

Company Info

State license #: 8920700

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3078473

Alternate Names: Forward Moving, LLC.


Forward Moving LLC, serving Exton, PA, has been the reliable choice for local residential moving since 2018. Known for their comprehensive range of services, they handle everything from simple packing and unpacking to more specialized tasks like moving pianos, art, and antiques. While their Yelp reviews average a 3.9 rating from 11 reviewers, their Google My Business profile boasts an impressive 4.9 average from 274 reviews, and they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Forward Moving LLC accepts credit cards and provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (19%)
  • Efficient service (18%)
  • Good communication (16%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (27%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Don Farr Moving & Storage has 401 customer reviews, 44% of which are positive. Many customers praised the professionalism and efficiency of the moving crews, noting their careful handling of belongings. However, numerous complaints highlighted issues with damage to items, poor communication, and unexpected charges. Customers often felt their valuable possessions were mishandled and that the company lacked accountability in resolving issues. In comparison to other moving companies, Don Farr shows inconsistency in service quality and customer satisfaction.
Get a Quote (412) 469-9700

Company Info

State license #: 8922932

Years in Business: 43

DOT #: 345157

Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.


Don Farr Moving & Storage, a trusted name in West Mifflin, PA since 1982, specializes in local residential moving services. While consumer reviews are mixed, with average ratings of 2.2 on Yelp and 3.6 on Google, their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau stands out. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialty moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Compared to other nearby movers, Don Farr's extensive experience and variety of services make them a solid choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
Pros
  • Efficient service (31%)
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
Hughes Relocation Services has 240 online customer reviews, 78% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company's efficiency, professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Positive experiences highlighted the excellent communication and timely service provided throughout the moving process. However, some feedback pointed out issues with damaged items, delayed deliveries, and a lack of support during claims for lost or broken belongings. While Hughes excels in service quality, some customers felt their experiences were marred by logistical problems that need addressing.
Get a Quote (215) 345-0234

Company Info

State license #: 103976

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 110502


Hughes Relocation Services, based in Lansdale, PA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 1983. Renowned for their exceptional customer service, they boast an impressive A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and strong online reviews, including a 4.7 average rating on Google from 292 reviews. Unlike many nearby movers, Hughes Relocation Services also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, and can handle specialty items such as pianos and art with care. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reputable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Average PODS Costs in PA

The average cost of PODS is anywhere from $220–$7,448, depending on the container size and move distance. For example, a local move in Pennsylvania using an eight-foot PODS container runs from $220 to $426, while the same move with a 16-foot container would be approximately $323–$813.

In general, you can expect to pay $220–$813 with PODS for a local move. Long-distance moves, which require longer transport times and mileage, are naturally pricier. Renting a PODS container for a long-distance move of 100–250 miles will typically cost between $250 and $2,107, and cross-country moves start at around $2,068 and can be as much as $7,448.

We like PODS for its widespread availability, multiple container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), and ongoing discounts but we know that everyone’s move is unique. While PODS is our overall pick, we always recommend getting quotes from at least three companies to get a clear comparison of pricing and services.

Best moving containers or PODS in Pennsylvania

Moving container companies combine the cost-savings of a DIY move with the convenience of full-service movers. You’ll cut moving costs by loading up all your items into your PODS or moving container yourself, but you’ll still have a professional driver handling the transport of your belongings to your new home within Pennsylvania or across state lines.

You’ll want to look for companies offering a variety of container sizes or types and quick and easy container delivery and pick-up scheduling. If you need long-term storage as part of your move, the top moving container companies provide facilities with 24/7 monitoring and climate-controlled options.

Here are our recommendations for top moving container companies in Pennsylvania.

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in PA

The average cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $57–$136 for a local move and $355–$5,700+ for long-distance moves.

Best moving truck rentals in Pennsylvania

Renting a truck from companies like U-Haul is your most affordable option — but it will also require you to do the most work. you’ll have to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place yourself or with the help of friends and family or third-party labor.

Check out our top picks for moving truck rentals in Pennsylvania:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in PA

The average cost of hiring a labor-only mover in Pennsylvania is $64 per hour for each moving crew member. Since even smaller moves like studio apartments typically require a minimum crew size of two people, you can expect to pay an hourly rate of approximately $128 for moving labor.

Best labor-only moving companies in Pennsylvania

Don’t want to deal with the heavy lifting? A labor-only company will handle that for you. Labor-only companies in Pennsylvania are kind of like professional movers without the truck.

They provide packing and loading support, as well as optional services like disassembly and reassembly of furniture, but you’ll still have to rent a moving truck and drive.

Take a look at these top-rated labor-only movers in Pennsylvania:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move

The following common factors will affect the cost of your Pennsylvania move:

  • The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor mean you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Pennsylvania.
  • The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long-distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Pennsylvania to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
  • The type of move: There are several ways to handle your Pennsylvania move. You take a more hands-off approach and hire a full-service moving company. While this is certainly the most convenient choice, you’ll also pay more for a full-service move than you would with DIY options like renting a moving truck. You can save a lot with a truck rental, but you’ll have to drive and do all the loading and unloading yourself (unless you want to hire labor-only movers). You may also want to consider getting a moving container, which saves some money but also provides professional drivers.
  • Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
  • Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Pennsylvania move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
  • The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Pennsylvania between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.

Consider car shipping costs for long-distance PA moves

Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in Pennsylvania:

Company Our take Rating Price
Sherpa Auto Transport
Best for accurate pricing
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Montway Auto Transport
Best cross-country shipper
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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AmeriFreight Car Transport
Best for discounts
starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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SGT Auto Transport
Best for overall value
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Easy Auto Ship
Best for quick pickup
starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Tips to save money on your Pennsylvania move

Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Pennsylvania move:

  • Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
  • Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
  • Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
  • Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
  • Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Pennsylvania move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.

What is the cheapest way to move in Pennsylvania?

The cheapest way to move within Pennsylvania is by using a DIY option. For some people in Pennsylvania, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.

While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Pennsylvania, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.

To help you decide, use our free moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.

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