Pennsylvania Moving Cost Guide

Get accurate moving cost estimates across Pennsylvania. See pricing for major cities and counties, understand cost factors, and discover money-saving strategies.

Pennsylvania Moving Cost Overview

Pennsylvania is the 5th most populous state with diverse geography and urban/rural areas. Moving costs vary significantly from Philadelphia (highest) to rural counties (lowest).

Average 1-Bedroom Apartment$700–$1,700

Average 3-Bedroom House$2,200–$5,000

Labor Rate Range$105–$165/hour

*Estimates based on statewide averages. Costs vary by specific location, season, and services needed.

Moving Costs by Region

Southeast (Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester Counties)

Highest costs: $140–$165/hour. Dense urban areas, parking challenges, historic buildings.

Southwest (Pittsburgh, Allegheny County)

High costs: $130–$150/hour. Urban areas, hilly terrain, established tech sector.

Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton)

Moderate costs: $110–$130/hour. Growing regional center, more affordable than Philadelphia.

South-Central (Lancaster, York, Harrisburg)

Moderate costs: $110–$130/hour. Small-town charm, growing suburbs, reasonable pricing.

Northeast (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre)

Lowest costs: $105–$125/hour. Historic mining regions, more affordable, steady demand.

What Drives Pennsylvania Moving Costs

Urban vs. Rural

Urban areas (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) are 25–40% more expensive than rural counties due to labor demand and parking challenges.

Building Type

Historic row houses and apartments without elevators (common in Philadelphia) add 15–25% to move costs. Modern suburban homes cost less.

Terrain

Pittsburgh's hillside terrain and northeastern PA valleys add 10–20% due to difficulty and longer move times.

Seasonal Demand

Summer moves (May–September) are 15–20% more expensive than winter. University towns (State College) have extreme seasonal variation.