Moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago? Compare costs, routes, and reviews of the best Pennsylvania movers for your 606-mile interstate relocation.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago, you're looking at a 606-mile interstate shift—far enough that you'll want experienced movers who know the route and can handle the logistics without surprises.
Out of dozens of Pennsylvania movers handling state-to-state relocations, here are the ones with the strongest track records for this specific move:
1074 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Grade: A+ | 4.64 / 5 | Yelp reviews
The Armstrong Company stands out for professionalism and accuracy. Over 90% of their 225+ reviews are positive, with customers consistently praising on-time arrivals, careful handling, and estimates that match final invoices. Their crews treat homes and belongings with genuine respect, and many movers report finishing faster than expected.
The trade-offs: A handful of customers reported property damage, and a few felt that claim resolution moved slowly. Some also mentioned difficulty reaching staff or unexpected add-on costs.
What they offer:
Contact: (717) 492-4155
License #: 8917264 | Years in business: 76 | DOT #: 1170867
1101 William Flynn Highway, Glenshaw, PA 15116
Grade: A+ | 4.62 / 5 | Yelp reviews
College Hunks earns high marks for speed and friendliness. Nearly 75% of their 290 reviews are positive, with customers loving the efficient service, polite crews, and surprisingly fast completion times. Communication is generally attentive, and the team handles belongings carefully.
The downside: About one in four reviews mentions property damage, trouble getting claims resolved, or unprofessional behavior. Some customers also reported poor follow-up from management when issues arose.
What they offer:
Contact: (336) 810-1801
License #: 8919262 | Years in business: 7 | DOT #: 2378173
558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA 19341
Grade: A | 4.5 / 5 | Yelp reviews
Zip to Zip customers consistently report fast, attentive service with crews that go beyond expectations. More than 97% of their 64 reviews are positive, highlighting efficient moves, friendly staff, and responsive communication. Transparent pricing and straightforward booking separate them from many competitors.
The catch: Some customers encountered charges significantly higher than initial quotes, felt pressured into tipping, or noticed final costs ballooned. A few also reported communication gaps or left items.
What they offer:
Contact: (484) 214-2143
License #: 8925314 | Years in business: 6 | DOT #: 2969363
1210 Stanbridge St, Norristown, PA 19401
Grade: A+ | 4.38 / 5 | Yelp reviews | Google reviews
Packhorse delivers fast, polite, professional service at competitive prices. After analyzing 238 reviews, 91.6% were positive. Customers praise efficient crews, friendly attitudes, careful handling of fragile items, and moves that typically finish quicker than expected at lower cost.
The issues: About 6.7% of reviews cite damage, rushed packing, delayed arrivals, or hidden costs. Some customers also found the damage claims process difficult.
What they offer:
Contact: (877) 309-7225
Years in business: 4 | DOT #: 3524666
100 N 18th St Suite 308, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Grade: Not Rated | 4.34 / 5 | Yelp reviews
Flex Moving stands out for speed and affordability. Many customers praise quick scheduling, helpful movers, and careful handling. Moves finish fast, and pricing comes in lower than many competitors.
The significant caveat: Nearly half their reviews are negative. Customers report poor communication, unexpected charges, unprofessional conduct, and difficulty resolving billing disputes or service issues.
What they offer:
Contact: (215) 720-1899
Years in business: 3 | DOT #: 3610638
Use this table to estimate your moving costs across different service types and home sizes for a 606-mile move:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,105 – $3,198 | $644 – $1,605 | $428 – $817 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,940 – $4,776 | $1,151 – $2,285 | $486 – $969 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,413 – $7,294 | $1,665 – $3,046 | $595 – $1,147 |
These are approximations based on MoveFinders' database of confirmed quotes as of January 2026. Actual costs vary with load size, optional services, parking challenges, fuel rates, and your chosen dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range for your situation.
A studio or one-bedroom move from Pennsylvania to Chicago typically costs $1,105–$3,198. Two to three bedrooms run $1,940–$4,776. A four- or five-bedroom home ranges from $3,413–$7,294.
If you're moving just a few items via container, expect $644–$1,605. For a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically fall between $1,151–$2,285. Larger homes with four or more bedrooms cost $1,665–$3,046. Explore the best affordable moving container companies to make this option work for your budget.
A moving rental truck is the cheapest option but requires you to do all the driving and labor. Studio or one-bedroom moves cost around $428–$817. Two to three bedrooms run $486–$969. Four or more bedrooms cost $595–$1,147. These quotes include estimated fuel.
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Armstrong Company | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Packhorse Moving | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Flex Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
Before you pack, here's what life in Chicago looks like compared to Pennsylvania:
| Factor | Pennsylvania | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,110 / month | $2,045 / month |
| Average home price | $268,824 | $295,743 |
| Per capita income | $73,170 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 4.95% |
What this means for you:
| Factor | Chicago | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 84°F | 83°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 19°F |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 38″ |
Summer temperatures are nearly identical, so you'll acclimate easily. Winter lows match almost exactly—no surprise cold snaps. Chicago gets about 6 inches less rain annually, meaning more sunny days and better outdoor weather. Snowfall is also similar, so your winter utility costs shouldn't spike.
Chicago leans heavily Democratic (74% in the last presidential election), while Pennsylvania split nearly evenly (51% Republican, 49% Democratic). This shapes local politics, ballot measures, and community priorities—worth understanding if you care about civic engagement.
Chicago's population is roughly 2.7 million, while Pennsylvania is about 13 million. Chicago has a higher crime index (35.19 vs. Pennsylvania's 17.62). This doesn't have to be a dealbreaker, but research your specific neighborhood carefully and understand local safety precautions before moving day.
In Illinois, the Illinois Commerce Commission oversees intrastate moves and local movers. Any company moving household goods locally must have a current Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. Always verify your mover's license before hiring—you can check the ICC's official website.
Use our moving checklist to ensure you've covered everything.
Move duration depends on your starting point and method. Loading typically takes a day or less. If you're renting a truck from northern Pennsylvania, plan for a one- to two-day drive. Using movers or a moving container, expect a few days to a couple of weeks—always request a delivery estimate before booking.
Book two to three months in advance if possible. Early booking locks in better prices and gives you priority for your preferred date.
Most people move during spring and fall. To save money, book during the slower summer or winter months and negotiate a lower rate.
Pennsylvania Moving Services:
Popular Routes from Pennsylvania:
Compare quotes now to get real numbers for your specific move. The earlier you lock in rates, the better your options.
