($1,289) Cost of Moving From Pennsylvania to Michigan

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan ranges from $598 to $6,129 and takes one–six days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 1,800 trucks
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  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Michigan to Pennsylvania guide.

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The best Pennsylvania to Michigan full-service movers

Moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Pennsylvania for your Michigan relocation:

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
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(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
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(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963

The best Pennsylvania to Michigan moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Pennsylvania and drop it off at your new home in Michigan.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Pennsylvania to Michigan moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Pennsylvania to Michigan labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Pennsylvania to Michigan:

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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to MI movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 84 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

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%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,289 - $3,695 $823 - $1,909 $560 - $997
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,471 - $6,129 $1,498 - $2,806 $598 - $1,183
4+ bedrooms $4,241 - $8,579 $1,846 - $3,706 $761 - $1,431

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 631 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Michigantoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Michigan will cost between $1,289 and $3,695. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to MI will range from $2,471 to $6,129, and a large move from Pennsylvania to Michigan will cost from $4,241 to $8,579.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Michigantoggle

Moving containers from Pennsylvania to Michigan will cost you $823 to $1,909 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,498 to $2,806. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,846 to $3,706. 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 Michigantoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $560 to $997. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $598 to $1,183, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Pennsylvania to Michigan costs from $761 to $1,431.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to MI

There are many factors that influence Pennsylvania moving costs. The cost to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Pennsylvania is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • 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

If you’re moving to Michigan from Pennsylvania, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Michigan

Pennsylvania Michigan
Average rent cost $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%
  • Rent is about 7% less expensive in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 9% lower in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 6% lower in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
  • Cost of living is 7% lower in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
  • Michigan has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 38%.
  • Sales taxes are 5% lower in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.
  • Income taxes are 38% higher in Michigan than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in Michigan vs. Pennsylvania

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 approximately 23% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Michigan is 81ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Michigan reaches the temperature of 14ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan versus 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Michigan, it snows about 64 inches annually versus 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Michigan has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 19.98 vs. 17.62.

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

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for 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 movetoggle

  • Weather: Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Michigan. Get started here.
  • 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 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 know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Michigantoggle

While you’re in Michigan, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mackinac Island
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Henry Ford Museum
  • Michigan State Capitol
  • University of Michigan
  • Isle Royale National Park
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
  • Colonial Michilimackinac
  • Detroit Institute of Arts
  • Windmill Island Gardens
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
  • Detroit Zoo
  • Michigan History Center
  • Mackinac Bridge
  • Soo Locks Boat Tour
  • Belle Isle
  • Motown Historical Museum
  • Michigan’s Adventure
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
  • Kitch-iti-Kipi

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan?toggle

Hiring a full-service Pennsylvania moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Michigan?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Pennsylvania to Michigan separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan such as scenic beauty and good higher education.

Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Michigan?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Michigan than in Pennsylvania. Housing is more affordable in Michigan, with average rent about 7% less and home prices 8.6% 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?toggle

You should make approximately $50,530 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Michigan. The cost of living in Michigan is approximately $2,304 per month for an individual and $4,053 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Michigan you live For example, larger cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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