Best Pennsylvania to DC Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Pennsylvania to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 216 mile PA to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 148 Pennsylvania to DC 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 Pennsylvania compared to DC. 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.
Best Pennsylvania to DC Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh Moving | 9.62 | 9.51 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | EverSafe Moving Co. | 9.50 | 9.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC | 9.47 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Pennsylvania to DC
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 216 miles from Pennsylvania to DC will cost on average $1,670 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom PA to DC move is roughly $3,989. 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 Pennsylvania and dropoff in DC 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 Pennsylvania to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,126 | 300 ft³ | 3.75 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,670 | 450 ft³ | 3.71 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,752 | 750 ft³ | 3.67 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,989 | 1100 ft³ | 3.63 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,734 | 1600 ft³ | 3.58 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $6,375 | 1800 ft³ | 3.54 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Pennsylvania guide.
Popular Pennsylvania to DC Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Pennsylvania to DC
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Pennsylvania to DC Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best PA to DC Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Pittsburgh Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3901080 / 1437162 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |
Bookstore Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
EverSafe Moving Co.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261303 / 771755 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 15,000 (2021) |
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC
Harrisburg, PA, 17120
About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surrounding areas...
Services
- Local & long-distance moving
- Commercial moving
- Labor-only moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3011826 / 59310 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2023) |
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC
1231 Pine Grove Rd
Yardley, PA, 19067
About Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC
Stress-Less Moving & Storage Company LLC is a family-owned and operated business that offers various moving and storage solutions in Southeastern...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential & Commercial Relocation
- Packing & Crating
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3375156 / 1082634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2023) |
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.
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 Pennsylvania to DC
Making the move from Pennsylvania to DC can be a big decision. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the pros and cons to help illustrate the life changes you can expect. From the pace of life to the cost of living, let’s dive into the realities of relocating from Pennsylvania to DC, presenting both the challenges and rewards.
Pennsylvania- Lower job market
- Less cultural diversity
- Lower public transit use
- More suburban
DC- Robust job opportunities
- High cultural diversity
- Extensive public transit
- Urban living
DC- Higher cost of living
- Smaller living spaces
- Less green space
- Noisier environment
Pennsylvania- Lower cost of living
- Spacious living
- Natural beauty
- Quieter neighborhoods
Moving from Pennsylvania’s spacious and quieter neighborhoods like those in Bucks County to the bustling streets of DC, such as the vibrant Dupont Circle or historical Capitol Hill, marks a significant change in daily life. You'll find Smithsonian museums and the National Mall becoming part of your new backyard, offering rich educational and recreational outings. The plethora of dining options, from the food trucks lining the streets near George Washington University to high-end eateries in Georgetown, highlights the distinct shift to an urban lifestyle. While the cost of living might be higher, the increase in cultural diversity, job opportunities, and public transit accessibility in DC presents an exciting urban convenience seldom matched.
Pennsylvania vs. DC Food Guide
Understanding the intricacies of an area extends beyond its landscape to its culinary scene. Food is a crucial component of local culture. This guide compares the local cuisine between Pennsylvania & DC to give you a taste of what to expect in your new home.
| Pennsylvania | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Half-Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork and Sauerkraut | Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings |
| Most popular street food item | Pretzels | Falafel |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Cheesesteak | Vegan Soul Food |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll transition from the hearty, comfort-laden offerings epitomized by dishes like the Philly Cheesesteak, to a more diverse and internationally influenced fare, as represented by DC's famed Half-Smokes and plethora of vegan options. DC's food scene is vibrant, with areas like U Street, H Street, and Capitol Hill offering a dynamic range of culinary experiences. The city's higher health consciousness is reflected in its abundance of food trucks and vegan eateries, catering to a broad spectrum of diets and lifestyles. Whether you're dining at Ben's Chili Bowl or exploring the globally-inspired menus of Rose's Luxury or Zaytinya, you'll find that DC's culinary scene offers something to satisfy every palate.
Ready to start your move?
Pennsylvania vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move from Pennsylvania to DC, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison shines a light on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to ensure you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Farmhouse | Victorian, Row Houses |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious layout, Natural scenery | Proximity to metro, Rooftop decks |
In comparison, DC boasts a more urban and high-paced lifestyle with an average urban lifestyle rating of 9 out of 10, reflecting its vibrant city life and wealth of amenities. The architecture in DC, characterized by Victorian and Row Houses, has become a signature style, diverging from Pennsylvania's more traditional Colonial and Farmhouse designs. Furthermore, DC's higher walkability and bikeability scores highlight its compact, accessible nature, making it a haven for those who prefer to traverse the city without a vehicle. The prominence of rooftop decks and metro proximity in DC's real estate listings underscores the unique urban experience awaiting newcomers.
Pennsylvania vs. DC Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Pennsylvania to DC, understanding the weather differences between Pennsylvania and DC is crucial to prepare for the changes you'll experience. This comparison will help you adapt to your new home's climate more comfortably.
Pennsylvania
DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Pennsylvania
DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Pennsylvania
DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Heatwaves, Hurricanes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll find the summers a bit warmer and the winters slightly milder in DC. With more days of sunshine, DC offers a brighter climate, which is further complemented by a higher UV index, meaning more attention to sun protection is necessary. Notably, DC experiences fewer blizzards than Pennsylvania but may encounter heatwaves and the occasional hurricane. Additionally, allergy sufferers might find differences in the predominant seasonal allergies, adjusting to new triggers like mold in DC's humid environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Pennsylvania to DC
When planning a move from Pennsylvania to DC, it's crucial to understand how the financial landscape shifts. This comparison helps illustrate the money and finance differences between Pennsylvania and DC , giving you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of living costs, taxes, and economic conditions.
| Comparison | Pennsylvania | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $71,798 | $101,027 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07 | 8.95 (Highest bracket) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.50 | 0.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.34 | 6.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Government, Professional Services, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | Concerning |
Moving from Pennsylvania to DC, you'll encounter a significant change in the cost of living, with DC being substantially more expensive. Despite the higher average household income in DC, it's important to budget carefully, considering the higher costs across various essentials. The tax landscape also shifts; while DC has a notably higher income tax, especially for top earners, it benefits from a lower property tax rate. The economic environment changes too, from Pennsylvania's manufacturing and retail-driven economy to DC's focus on government and professional services. Comprehensive financial planning is crucial for this transition.
Pennsylvania vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Pennsylvania to DC involves not just a change in scenery, but also a shift in the community's fabric. This comparison aims to give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Pennsylvania & DC . Understanding these differences can help you anticipate the culture and conversations you might encounter in your new home.
| Pennsylvania | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Battleground State | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Mixed; varies by region | Liberal-dominant |
| Religion | Diverse; Christian majority | High religious diversity; less religious overall |
When preparing for your move from Pennsylvania to DC, bear in mind that you'll be transitioning from a politically competitive state to one where liberal politics heavily predominate. Local politics in DC tend to reflect more progressive views compared to the varied political landscape across Pennsylvania's rural and urban areas. Additionally, while Pennsylvania has a strong Christian majority, DC's population is marked by a high degree of religious diversity, though it also has a significant portion of its residents identifying as less religious or secular. Understanding these facets can pave the way for a smoother adjustment to your new surroundings.
Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to DC
Moving from Pennsylvania to DC? Understanding the educational landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Pennsylvania to DC, ensuring you make informed decisions for your family.
| Pennsylvania | DC |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Penn State University University of Pennsylvania Temple UniversityGeorgetown University George Washington University American University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Marshall Elementary (Pittsburgh) Albert M. Greenfield School (Philadelphia) Ad Prima Charter School (Philadelphia)Lafayette Elementary School Mann Elementary School Janney Elementary School (All in Washington DC) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Radnor Middle School (Radnor) Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square)Deal Middle School Hardy Middle School Stuart-Hobson Middle School (All in Washington DC) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Conestoga High School (Berwyn) Central High School (Philadelphia)School Without Walls Banneker High School McKinley Technology High School (All in Washington DC) | |
Top 3 private high schools The Haverford School (Haverford) The Shipley School (Bryn Mawr) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)Sidwell Friends School Georgetown Day School St. Albans School (All in Washington DC) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) The Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont)Sidwell Friends School Georgetown Day School Maret School (All in Washington DC) | |
Top 3 School Districts Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Radnor Township School District Lower Merion School DistrictThere is no school district system as DC is a single district under DC Public Schools (DCPS) | |
When looking at the specifics, it’s clear that both Pennsylvania and DC offer exceptional educational opportunities, but the environments and offerings differ. For instance, Pennsylvania's best colleges like Penn State University and University of Pennsylvania draw students nationwide, offering diverse programs. On the other hand, DC’s focus on politics and international relations makes Georgetown University and George Washington University unique for those fields. The presence of highly regarded private schools in both regions, such as The Haverford School in Pennsylvania and Sidwell Friends School in DC, denote the quality of private education. Understanding these nuances helps in making an informed choice for your family’s educational path when moving from Pennsylvania to DC.
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