Moving to Pennsylvania: costs, checklist and what to know
Pennsylvania at a glance for movers: Northeast region · largest city Philadelphia · capital Harrisburg · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Pennsylvania
- Income tax: Pennsylvania taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Pennsylvania's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days, according to the PennDOT.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Philadelphia (about 800 road miles) runs roughly $1,220–$2,330 with a rental truck or $2,680–$6,180 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax, and most municipalities and school districts add a local earned income tax. Philadelphia's wage tax is notably higher.
- Pennsylvania doesn't charge sales tax on most clothing or groceries.
- PennDOT handles licenses and registration.
Main cities and metros include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Harrisburg, Erie. Pennsylvania borders New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia and Ohio.
How much does it cost to move to Pennsylvania?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 2,870 | $4,100–$7,740 | $5,990–$13,630 |
| Chicago | 800 | $1,220–$2,330 | $2,680–$6,180 |
| Dallas | 1,560 | $2,300–$4,360 | $3,900–$8,920 |
| Atlanta | 800 | $1,220–$2,330 | $2,680–$6,180 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Pennsylvania moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Pennsylvania
Spring and fall. Winters are snowy in the north and west, and Philadelphia summers are humid.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Pennsylvania new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Pennsylvania: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Pennsylvania?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 800 miles from Chicago to Philadelphia costs roughly $1,220–$2,330 if you rent a truck or $2,680–$6,180 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax?
Yes. Pennsylvania taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Pennsylvania driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the PennDOT. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Pennsylvania?
Spring and fall. Winters are snowy in the north and west, and Philadelphia summers are humid.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the PennDOT, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.