Best DC to Pennsylvania Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from DC to Pennsylvania and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 218 mile DC to PA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 148 DC to Pennsylvania moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in DC compared to Pennsylvania. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best DC to Pennsylvania Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pittsburgh Moving9.629.51Authorized For HHGContact
2Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
3Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
4EverSafe Moving Co.9.509.5Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Ap Pro Moving Llc9.439.39ActiveContact
6Treasure Moving Company9.399.41Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from DC to Pennsylvania

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 218 miles from DC to Pennsylvania will cost on average $1,672 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom DC to PA move is roughly $3,993. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in DC and dropoff in Pennsylvania as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve DC to Pennsylvania movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,127300 ft³3.76
1 Bedroom$1,672450 ft³3.71
2 Bedrooms$2,754750 ft³3.67
3 Bedrooms$3,9931100 ft³3.63
4 Bedrooms$5,7401600 ft³3.59
5+ Bedrooms$6,3801800 ft³3.54
*Please note: These DC to Pennsylvania moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from DC & Pennsylvania. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed DC to PA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best DC to PA Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.62/10
based on 1,264+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
3
EverSafe Moving Co. Logo

EverSafe Moving Co.

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,941+ data points

8701 Torresdale Ave

Philadelphia, PA, 19136

About EverSafe Moving Co.

Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo

Ap Pro Moving Llc

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 361+ data points

5021 Seminary Rd # 822

Alexandria, VA, 22311

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
Treasure Moving Company Logo

Treasure Moving Company

Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,791+ data points

11140 Rockville Pike # 300

Rockville, MD, 20852

About Treasure Moving Company

Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Residential Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/8/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2431129 / 847222

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2021)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Pennsylvania

Moving from DC to Pennsylvania? This guide is designed to help you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks. It's important to consider both the good and the bad attributes of this relocation to ensure a smooth transition from DC to Pennsylvania. Below, you'll find comparisons that shed light on what you're leaving behind and what awaits you.

CONs
PROs
DC iconDC
  • High Cost of Living
  • Heavy Traffic
  • Political Intensity
  • Smaller Living Spaces
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower Taxes
  • More Green Spaces
  • Relaxed Atmosphere
  • Larger Homes
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Less Diverse Cuisine
  • Fewer Political Jobs
  • Quieter Nightlife
  • More Car Dependency
DC iconDC
  • Rich Cultural Scene
  • Access to Power
  • Vibrant Nightlife
  • Public Transportation

While Pennsylvania offers a reprieve from the high costs and intense pace of DC with its lower taxes and more spacious living, it's not without its trade-offs. DC's unmatched cultural scene, from the theaters on U Street to the Smithsonian museums, offers an irreplaceable vibrancy. Pennsylvania, however, brings the charm of quieter, expansive green spaces, like those found in the beautiful Fairmount Park of Philadelphia. Restaurants such as Zahav in Philly might not match the international diversity found in DC's dining scene, but they do offer a unique taste of local and international flavors that can become new favorites. Moreover, while you might find yourself more reliant on a car in Pennsylvania, the trade-off is access to scenic drives and destinations like the Pocono Mountains or the historic streets of Pittsburgh.

DC vs. Pennsylvania Food Guide

As you prepare for your move, it's exciting to explore how food reflects the local culture of your new home. In this guide, we'll dive into a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Pennsylvania to help you get acquainted with the culinary landscape you'll soon be part of.

DCPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokePhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with chicken wingsScrapple
Most popular street food itemJumbo Slice PizzaPretzels
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladSeitan Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Old Ebbitt Grill
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While both DC and Pennsylvania offer rich, diverse culinary scenes, there are distinct flavors and experiences unique to each. In DC, you can't miss trying the iconic half-smoke at Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark that's been serving up this signature dish for decades. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, counters with the legendary Philly Cheesesteak, best experienced at Pat's King of Steaks. The contrast extends to street food, where DC's jumbo slice pizza vies for attention against Pennsylvania's ubiquitous soft pretzels. For those seeking plant-based options, both locales tout an impressive array of vegan-friendly eateries, but Philadelphia's seitan cheesesteak provides an interesting plant-based twist to a regional classic. Whether dining in elegant establishments or grabbing a quick bite from the myriad of food trucks, your taste buds are in for a treat as you embark on this new chapter in either DC or Pennsylvania.

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DC vs. Pennsylvania Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison offers a clear look at the differences in housing options between DC and Pennsylvania , covering cost, architecture, and lifestyle. It’s an essential step in making an informed decision.

ComparisonDCPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleRow houses/NeoclassicalColonial/Farmhouse
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to metro, hardwood floorsLarge yards, historical features

When comparing DC to Pennsylvania, the contrasts in housing market and lifestyle become apparent. In DC, the emphasis is on urban living with higher walkability and bikeability scores, reflecting its dense, transit-oriented nature. The listings often highlight proximity to metros, symbolic of the city's fast-paced lifestyle. Pennsylvania offers a different charm, with its colonial and farmhouse-style homes appealing to those looking for spacious yards and historical features. This mirrors a more laid-back, suburban lifestyle, with a significant difference in affordability both in terms of median home prices and rent.

DC vs. Pennsylvania Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares in your current and future home is crucial when planning a move. This comparison between DC and Pennsylvania will aid you in adjusting your expectations and preparations for your relocation. Let’s delve into the climatic differences you should anticipate.

Summer icon
88°F / 71°F

DC

85°F / 62°F

Pennsylvania

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 28°F

DC

40°F / 20°F

Pennsylvania

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
40.8"

DC

42"

Pennsylvania

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.4"

DC

38"

Pennsylvania

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonDCPennsylvania
Air QualityModerateVaries by area, generally moderate
Natural DisastersThunderstorms, occasional hurricanesSnowstorms, rare tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from DC to Pennsylvania, you'll find slightly cooler summers and winters with more snowfall, particularly important if you're not accustomed to frequent and heavy snow. Pennsylvania typically experiences fewer sunny days per year than DC, which might affect your outdoor activities. Air quality can vary across different areas in Pennsylvania but is generally comparable to DC, though specific local conditions can influence this. Considering the increased annual snowfall, it might be worth investing in winter gear and possibly a vehicle suited for snowy conditions.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to Pennsylvania

When planning a move from one region to another, it’s crucial to gauge how your financial situation may shift. This comparison offers a detailed look at economic factors from DC to Pennsylvania , focusing on what to expect money and finance-wise .

ComparisonDCPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$101,027$71,798
Cost of Living Index140.199.7
State Income Tax4.0 to 8.953.07
Avg. Property Tax0.561.50
Avg. Sales Tax6.006.34
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional & Technical Services, EducationManufacturing, Health Care, Retail Trade
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLow to ModerateModerate

Moving from DC to Pennsylvania, you'll notice significant differences, particularly the average household income and cost of living, which are substantially higher in DC. However, Pennsylvania's uniform state income tax rate might offer more predictability for your budgeting. Although the average property tax rate is higher in Pennsylvania, the overall lower cost of living may balance your financial planning. Such economic contrasts are essential to consider, as they directly impact your day-to-day life and long-term financial well-being after the move.

DC vs. Pennsylvania Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from DC to Pennsylvania, understanding the comparison of the politics between DC & Pennsylvania, as well as the religious makeup of their populations, can offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot that aids in anticipating the cultural shift. This comparison aims to highlight key differences and similarities.

DCPennsylvania
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticMixed, with Democratic strongholds in cities and Republican in rural areas
Local PoliticsFocus on urban policy, housing, and federal government proximity influencesVaried, includes urban issues in cities, rural concerns, and industrial policy
ReligionDiverse, with significant numbers of Christians, non-religious, and other faithsMajority Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic and growing non-religious population

While both DC and Pennsylvania show a rich tapestry of political and religious diversity, the context in which these aspects play out in daily life vary significantly. In DC, the federal government's proximity shapes much of the local political discourse, pushing urban policy and housing to the forefront. Conversely, Pennsylvania exhibits a broader spectrum of political landscapes, from the deeply Democratic cities such as Philadelphia to the Republican-dominated rural areas. This mix offers a unique cross-section of American political life. The religious makeup further complements this diversity, with Pennsylvania showing stronger traditional roots in Christianity, particularly with a large Catholic population in comparison to DC's more varied religious scene. If you're moving from DC to Pennsylvania, understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Pennsylvania

Moving can be a major decision, especially when considering the educational opportunities for your family. By comparing the available school options between DC and Pennsylvania, you will better understand what the comparisons are between school options. This introduction aims to provide a succinct overview to guide your decision-making process.

DCPennsylvania

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Janney Elementary
Mann Elementary
Eaton Elementary
South Fayette Township Elementary
Wexford Elementary
Whitemarsh Elementary

Top 3 Middle Schools

Deal Middle School
Hardy Middle School
Oyster-Adams Bilingual School
Radnor Middle School
Haverford Middle School
Welsh Valley Middle School

Top 3 High Schools

School Without Walls High School
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
McKinley Technology High School
Conestoga High School
North Allegheny High School
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School

Top 3 private high schools

Sidwell Friends School
St. Albans School
National Cathedral School
The Haverford School
Shady Side Academy
The Baldwin School

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Georgetown Day School
Maret School
Sidwell Friends School
The Agnes Irwin School
Shady Side Academy
Germantown Friends School

Top 3 School Districts

District of Columbia Public SchoolsTredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District

In both DC and Pennsylvania, the emphasis on providing high-quality education is evident in their top schools and universities. For instance, DC boasts prestigious universities that draw students from all over the country, including Georgetown University. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania's higher education is highlighted by the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution known for its research and professional programs. At the K-12 level, Pennsylvania's Tredyffrin/Easttown School District is highly rated, ensuring students receive excellent education that prepares them for top higher education opportunities. This comparison highlights the strong education systems in both regions, offering a variety of choices to meet individual educational goals and preferences.

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