Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania of 2026

Finding the right mover in Pennsylvania starts with being clear about what you actually need. Then vet at least three licensed companies by comparing written estimates and checking independent reviews for warning signs like hidden fees or a pattern of damage claims. Here's how to find the right moving company for your needs:

1. Determine your move type

Start by figuring out what type of move you're dealing with. Are you staying within Pennsylvania, or heading out of state? Do you need a crew to handle all the packing, or just transportation?

Clarifying your needs upfront helps you filter out companies that don't offer what you're looking for and get more accurate quotes. Full-service movers handle packing, loading, hauling and unloading — they cost more, but they do the heavy lifting in every sense. Labor-only or self-service options are cheaper but require more work on your end.

2. Research movers in your area

Personal recommendations from people you trust are a solid starting point. From there, check online reviews on ConsumerAffairs and other independent platforms to see how companies actually perform. The most common complaints we see about movers include:

• Damage to belongings in transit: Customers report broken furniture, scratched items and damaged possessions, often paired with a slow or frustrating claims process. Some movers dispute damage or offer compensation that doesn't come close to the item's value.
• Hidden fees and cost overages: Final invoices frequently exceed the original estimate, with unexpected charges for fuel, weight or labor tacked on at the end. Some customers report being asked to pay hundreds of dollars more on moving day with no real recourse.
• Unprofessional crew behavior: Movers show up late, work slowly, take long breaks or handle items carelessly. Some customers describe rude or dismissive responses when they raise concerns during the move.

  R from Easton describes how things unraveled once the schedule slipped: "I was informed that the movers would be at my house on Friday, between 8 am - 12 pm. Around mid-morning I received a call that the movers would not be coming to move that day due to an overload of their morning pick-up."

• Missed delivery windows and poor communication: Deliveries get delayed without notice, with windows shifting multiple times. Customers often struggle to reach anyone at the company for updates on timing or next steps.

3. Compare multiple quotes

Get written estimates from at least three companies. An in-home survey typically produces a more accurate number than an online form, since the estimator can actually see your belongings and assess access points. When comparing quotes, look beyond the bottom line and check what's actually included.

A quote that's dramatically lower than the others isn't necessarily a deal; it could mean missing services or a company cutting corners. A solid estimate should break out labor, truck fees, materials and any add-on charges.

4. Ask about extra services

Nail down pricing for anything beyond the basic move before signing anything. That includes packing and unpacking, handling for specialty items like pianos or antiques, storage fees and surcharges for tricky access like steep staircases, limited street parking or long carry distances.

Getting the full picture upfront helps you create a moving budget and avoid unpleasant surprises on moving day.

5. Verify credentials

Any reputable mover should be licensed and insured to operate in Pennsylvania. For moves crossing state lines, the company also needs a USDOT number registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation — you can confirm this on the FMCSA website.

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the company's insurance coverage and what the claims process looks like if something gets damaged.

In Pennsylvania, movers can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how far you're going, how much you're moving and what services you add on.

Make sure your carrier uses heavy-duty padding to protect antique woodwork and colonial-era doorframes.

Factors that affect your final price include:

• Distance: Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh is considerably cheaper than a relocation to the deep South.
• Volume: More rooms and more stuff mean more labor hours and more truck space.
• Services: Packing, unpacking and specialty item handling all add to the total.
• Timing: Summer and weekends cost more; moving between November and February can save you 20% to 30%.
• Deposits: Brokers often collect 20% to 50% upfront as a broker fee, with the remainder due at delivery. Carrier deposits are typically much lower.

Local movers in Pennsylvania generally bill between $120 and $160 per hour. The state's mix of dense urban markets and rural Appalachian terrain means costs can vary quite a bit depending on where you're moving from and to.

Average cost for moving services from and within Pennsylvania

The average cost of a move from Pennsylvania is $3,452, based on quotes we received for both local and interstate moves. Long-distance moving rates can be much higher. The figures below are based on a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

Tipping isn't mandatory, but it's widely expected in the industry. A standard moving tip runs $20 to $50 per mover for a local job. For long-distance moves, consider going higher or calculating a percentage of the total cost. Cold drinks and snacks on a hot Pennsylvania summer day go a long way, too.

» COMPARE: Types of moving companies

• Book at least two months out: That window gives you time to gather multiple quotes, sort through your belongings and handle anything unexpected before moving day arrives.
• Build a realistic moving budget: Estimate all your costs — movers or truck rental, distance, volume, packing supplies, travel, storage, insurance and tips. Look up average costs for comparable moves so your numbers aren't wishful thinking.
• Pare down before you pack: Most movers charge by weight and volume, so cutting unnecessary items saves real money. Sell what you can, donate what's still useful and recycle the rest.
• Pack with a plan: Start with the rooms you use least like guest rooms, closets and the garage. Work room by room, label every box with its contents and destination, and use proper materials for anything fragile.
• Set aside an essentials box: About a week before the move, pull together a box with what you'll need right away such as toiletries, medications, a change of clothes and important documents.
• Lock down day-of contact info: Confirm who to call on moving day so you can coordinate parking, timing and building access without chasing anyone down.

» MORE: Cheaper ways to move across the country

All legitimate moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured. For moves crossing state lines, companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid USDOT number (verify on the FMCSA website). The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) oversees intrastate movers.

For moves under 40 miles, companies charge hourly rates; for moves over 40 miles, pricing shifts to a weight-and-distance model. If your final bill comes in more than 10% above the original estimate, you have the right to pay the estimate plus 10% to receive your goods, then settle the remaining balance afterward.

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» MORE DETAILS: Moving checklist

• Caitlin in Philadelphia was nervous about hiring movers for the first time, then watched the stress melt away. “First time hiring movers and it went better than expected!” The crew was kind, efficient and even left a clear path in her storage unit so she could access essentials quickly.

  Key takeaway: Professional movers can make a first move feel effortless

• Anne in Sterling expected a smooth, back-saving move but still hit a few bumps at first. “There was a little confusion on the date. It took me a lot of phone calling and a little anxiety, but in the end, it worked out perfectly.” Once the crew took over the heavy lifting, the whole trip felt worth it.

  Key takeaway: Even with hiccups, a solid crew can make it worth it

• Dawn in Huntingdon Valley expected pros, not a trap. "This company is a textbook example of moving scams and bait-and-switch tactics." After hours of work, "they wouldn’t load anything unless I signed an addendum for an extra $6,500," and the total jumped from $5,805 to $12,800.

  Key takeaway: Bait-and-switch quotes can become hostage-style upcharges

Despite recent negative net migration, Pennsylvania remains an appealing destination for those seeking an affordable cost of living, strong local economies and recreational activities. Compared with other Northeastern states, the Keystone State’s median home sale price is highly affordable ($257,300) — 26% less than the national median. Its combination of charming cities, suburbs and towns makes it easy to find something safe, affordable and accessible for everyone.

If you’re considering a move to Pennsylvania, it’s important to find a city that fits your lifestyle and financial goals. Our research team ranked the state's 25 largest cities based on five key factors: affordability, safety, economic strength, health care and education, and quality of life. Read on to discover which cities made the list.

The five best places to move to in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranks as the eighth-best state to move to, in part, by having some of the most affordable health care and strong public education. The state offers an attractive balance of urban, suburban and rural settings, all within close driving distance to New York City and other major cities. Whether you’re looking to start your new career or want to enjoy the state’s inexpensive amenities, read on to discover hidden Pennsylvania gems.

1. Bethel Park

Bethel Park’s affordability and low crime relative to its urban access contribute to its ranking as the best place to move to in Pennsylvania. It's a family-friendly suburban environment 10 miles from Pittsburgh, with numerous parks and recreational options, including South Park, one of the largest parks in Allegheny County, at about 2,000 acres. Access to the city is also easy, as the Pittsburgh Regional Transit light rail line (the “T”) provides service into downtown Pittsburgh.

• Best overall safety: Bethel Park has the second-lowest violent crime rate (0.9 crimes per 1,000 people) and property crime rate (8.6 per 1,000 people) in Pennsylvania.
• Great affordability: It has the lowest home-to-income ratio among large Pennsylvania cities, with median home prices just twice the local median income.
• Well-educated population: 97.2% of residents have earned at least a high school degree, the fifth-highest rate in the state.
• Accessible health care: Bethel Park ranks fifth in the state for health care access, with 30.5 health care professionals per 1,000 residents.

2. Drexel Hill

Drexel Hill, a prominent neighborhood within Upper Darby less than 10 miles from downtown Philadelphia, stands out for its urban convenience. It is highly walkable and offers a strong economy, on top of being a short driving distance from several major cities, including New York and Washington, D.C.

• Strong economy: It ranks third overall for economic strength, primarily due to having the second-highest average job growth between 2019 and 2024 (4.1%) and the fifth-lowest share of the population below the poverty line (8%).
• High walkability: 94% of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park — the ninth-highest percentage on our list.
• Health care access: It ranks seventh for health care access, with 28.7 health care professionals per 1,000 residents.
• Well-educated population: 94% of residents have earned at least a high school diploma, the seventh-highest rate in the state.

3. Levittown

Levittown has a history dating back to shortly after World War II, when it was one of several housing developments built by Levitt & Sons for returning veterans. Today, low crime and a strong economy make this large Philadelphia suburb an appealing option for prospective movers.

• Low violent crime: Levittown has the third-lowest violent crime rate (1.1 crimes per 1,000 people) in Pennsylvania.
• Strong job market: It ranks second overall economically by having the same job growth rate as Drexel Hill (4.1%) and the fourth-lowest share of the population below the poverty line (7.2%).
• Well-educated population: 93.3% of residents have graduated high school, the eighth-highest rate in the state.
• Accessible health care: Levittown ranks sixth in the state for health care access, with 30.3 health care professionals per 1,000 residents.

4. Altoona

Altoona stands out as the only nonsuburban city in the top five list. The city of just over 43,000 offers the most affordable housing in Pennsylvania without sacrificing in other areas. Penn State, about 45 miles northeast, and local industries drive economic opportunity.

• Most affordable living: With a median rent price of $903 and a median home sale price of $148,964, Altoona ranks as the most affordable city to move to in Pennsylvania.
• High walkability: 90% of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park — the 13th highest percentage on our list.
• Well-educated population: 92.6% of residents have earned at least a high school diploma, the ninth-highest rate in the state.
• Accessible health care: Altoona ranks 10th in the state for health care access, with 20.2 health care professionals per 1,000 residents.

5. Plum

Another prominent Pittsburgh suburb, Plum earned the fifth spot on our list by offering some of the best health care access, highly educated residents, affordable housing and safe neighborhoods. It’s home to one of the most famous golf courses in the nation at Oakmont Country Club, which has hosted the U.S. Open nine times — with a 10th coming in June 2025. Additionally, Plum offers hundreds of acres for hiking, biking, riding, hunting and skiing.

• Second-best health care access: With 37.2 health care professionals per 1,000 residents, Plum offers the second-best health care access in Pennsylvania.
• Second-highest education rate: 97.5% of residents have graduated high school, the second-highest rate in the state.
• Low poverty and crime: Plum has the lowest property crime rate (6.4 per 1,000 people) and the lowest share of residents living in poverty (3.1%) in Pennsylvania.
• Affordable housing: The median home sale price ($208,758) is only 2.1 times higher than the median household income ($98,475), the second-lowest ratio in the state.

See how the rest of Pennsylvania compares

The table below ranks the 25 most populous cities in Pennsylvania across five key categories: affordability, safety, economic strength, health care and education, and quality of life. No matter what you prioritize, these cities offer diverse benefits for young professionals, families and retirees. Check out our chart below to discover which city best suits your needs.

Methodology: Best cities

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team evaluated the 25 most populous cities in the state across five weighted categories to identify the best cities to move to in Pennsylvania. In each category, the city that performed the best was given the highest possible score, with others getting relative scores. We added the category scores together to get an overall score, which is out of 100 points.

• Affordability (30 points): This category includes each city’s median rent for February 2025 (15 points) and an affordability ratio of the median home sale price to the median income in each metro area (15). Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau (2023) and Zillow (2024).
• Safety (30 points): This score is based on rates of violent crime (15 points) and property crime (15) per 1,000 residents. Data is from NeighborhoodScout (2023).
• Economy (20 points): The economy score considers average job growth in each metro from 2019 to 2024 (10 points), the city’s percentage of residents below the poverty level (7) and the unemployment rate (3). Data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019 to 2024) and the U.S. Census Bureau (2023).
• Health care and education (10 points): This category includes the number of health care professionals per 1,000 people (5 points) and the share of the population that has obtained a high school degree (5). Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau (2023).
• Quality of life (10 points): The quality of life score considers walkability (5 points) and the percentage of the population living within a 10-minute walk of a green space (5). Data is from Walk Score and The Trust for Public Land.

For questions about the data or if you'd like to set up an interview, please contact acurls@consumeraffairs.com.

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