($1,242) Moving From Pennsylvania to Montana

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Pennsylvania to Montana ranges from $1,198 to $6,854 and takes five-sixteen 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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  • Family owned
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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service Pennsylvania moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. 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 Montana separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Pennsylvania to Montana movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Pennsylvania to Montana is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Pennsylvania to Montana:

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
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • 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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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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  • 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) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Pennsylvania movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Armstrong relocation Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
1074 East Main Street , Mount Joy, PA, 17552
(717) 492-4155
Forward Moving LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
245 Welsh Pool Rd, Exton, PA, 19341
(484) 473-4605

Visit our Best Movers in Pennsylvania page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,242 - $4,612 $1,121 - $2,689 $1,118 - $2,176
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,165 - $6,854 $1,917 - $4,101 $1,198 - $2,641
4+ bedrooms $6,005 - $10,454 $2,734 - $5,249 $1,572 - $3,171

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,926 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.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to MT

There are many factors that influence Pennsylvania moving costs. The cost to move from Pennsylvania to Montana 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.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Montana?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Montana will cost between $1,242 and $4,612. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to MT will range from $3,165 to $6,854, and a large move from Pennsylvania to Montana will cost from $6,005 to $10,454.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Pennsylvania to Montana?

Moving containers from Pennsylvania to Montana will cost you $1,121 to $2,689 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,917 to $4,101. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,734 to $5,249. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.

How much is a moving truck from Pennsylvania to Montana?

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 $1,118 to $2,176. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,198 to $2,641, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Pennsylvania to Montana costs from $1,572 to $3,171.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Pennsylvania to Montana a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Montana

Pennsylvania Montana
Average rent cost $1,110 $974
Average home cost $268,824 $462,631
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $66,341
Cost of Living Index 99 100
Unemployment rate 3.4% 3.3%
Average Sales Tax 6.34% 0.0%
State Income Tax 3.07% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 12% less expensive in Montana than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 72% higher in Montana than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 9% lower in Montana than in Pennsylvania.
  • Cost of living is 1% lower in Montana than in Pennsylvania.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 3%.
  • Sales taxes are 100% lower in Montana than in Pennsylvania.
  • Income taxes are 120% higher in Montana than in Pennsylvania.

How does life in Montana differ from Pennsylvania?

Montana Pennsylvania
Population 1,132,812 12,961,683
Political leaning Republican 58.4-38.5 Republican 51-49
Summer high 84ºF 83ºF
Winter low 12ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 15" 44"
Annual snow 49" 38"
Crime index 23.37 17.62
  • The population of Montana is approximately 91% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about fifteen inches of annual rainfall in Montana versus forty-four inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In Montana, it snows about forty-nine inches annually versus thirty-eight inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • Montana has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 23.37 vs 17.62.

Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Montana

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Pennsylvania versus Montana side by side.

Pros of living in Pennsylvania Pros of living in Montana
Low cost of living Unmatched natural beauty
Abundant fun and recreational activities Bountiful outdoor opportunities
Beautiful landscapes Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Delicious unique cuisine
Excellent education options No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Montana

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for Montana.

Cons of living in Pennsylvania Cons of living in Montana
Harsh winter weather Dangerous wildlife
Bad driving conditions Remote lifestyle
Nuclear power plants Touristy
Unpredictable weather Lacking in urban amenities
High taxes on gasoline Challenging weather

What to know before your move to Montana

  • Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
  • 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: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Montana 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 Montana. 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. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Montana

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

  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Lewis & Clark Trail
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Museum of the Rockies
  • Lake McDonald
  • Montana Historical Society Museum
  • Montana State Capitol
  • The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
  • Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
  • The World Museum of Mining
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
  • The Moss Mansion
  • Big Sky Resort
  • ZooMontana
  • Conrad Mansion Museum
  • Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
  • Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Ringing Rocks
  • American Computer & Robotics Museum
  • Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • Big Hole National Battlefield
  • Western Heritage Centre
  • Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Montana?

The cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Montana is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Montana?

The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Montana?

It is generally cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than in Montana. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is much more affordable in Pennsylvania, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 42% lower than in Montana. Taxes are also lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Montana residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Montana?

You should make approximately $30,978 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $703 per month for an individual and $1,592 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Montana you live For example, larger cities like Belgrade and Billings will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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