How Much Does Hiring a Moving Company Cost in Philadelphia?

Getting ready to move within or out of Philadelphia? Whether you're planning a local or long-distance relocation, it's important to understand how much your move may cost. This guide helps you compare the costs of hiring professional movers vs. DIY moving and outlines average prices by destination and home size—helping you budget effectively and avoid unexpected costs.

Average moving costs calculated using Extra Space Storage's Moving Cost Calculator

Cost of Professional Movers in Philadelphia

Hiring professional movers in Philadelphia can cost anywhere from $200 to $17,352, depending on how far you're going and the size of your home. Expenses will also vary depending on the time of year, which moving company you choose, whether you're moving across state lines, and any additional services you may need.

Average Local Moving Costs in Philadelphia

Local moving costs in the Philadelphia metro area typically range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the size of your home and how long the move takes. Most Philadelphia movers charge by the hour and may require a two to three-hour minimum, with prices increasing for more complex or time-consuming moves.

Average Cost of Regional Moves in Philadelphia

Regional moves from Philadelphia tend to cost more than local relocations due to longer travel distances and additional fuel needs. Prices are typically based on the weight of your belongings and the mileage, with total costs averaging $465 to $6,432—depending on your destination and the size of your home.

Moving from Philadelphia to Washington, DC

Moving company costs range from $465 to $4,441 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach, VA

Moving company costs range from $870 to $5,116 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, PA

Moving company costs range from $966 to $5,277 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Boston, MA

Moving company costs range from $967 to $5,278 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Charlotte, NC

Moving company costs range from $1,659 to $6,432 on average.

Average Cross-Country Moving Costs in Philadelphia

Long-distance moves from Philadelphia—typically spanning 500 to 2,500 miles or more—come with higher costs due to added mileage, fuel, labor, and the coordination required for cross-country travel. Most long-distance moving companies charge based on the total distance and the weight or size of your shipment, along with any additional services you choose. On average, a cross-country move from Philadelphia ranges from $2,333 to $17,352, depending on your destination and the size of your home.

Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago, IL

Moving company costs range from $2,333 to $7,556 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Atlanta, GA

Moving company costs range from $2,376 to $7,627 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Tampa, FL

Moving company costs range from $3,161 to $8,936 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Miami, FL

Moving company costs range from $3,605 to $9,676 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, CA

Moving company costs range from $8,211 to $17,352 on average.

Cost of DIY Moving in Philadelphia

Moving by yourself can be a good option if you want full control over logistics or if you're moving on a budget. DIY moving can offer significant savings compared to hiring professional movers, particularly if you get help from friends or family and seek out free or low-cost moving supplies. Your final price will depend on factors such as moving distance, the volume of your belongings, and how long you rent your moving truck.

Average Local Moving Costs in Philadelphia

For local moves within Philadelphia, costs are typically similar whether you hire professional movers or take a DIY approach—with most moves falling between $200 and $4,000. Because the distance is short, expenses like truck rental, labor, and fuel tend to be comparable, making both options fall within roughly the same price range.

Average Cost of Regional Moves in Philadelphia

A DIY regional move from Philadelphia can offer notable savings compared to hiring full-service movers. While you'll still need to budget for a moving truck, fuel, packing supplies, and any travel accommodations, total costs typically range from $292 to $5,227. Your final price will depend on how far you're traveling and the size of the truck you need.

Moving from Philadelphia to Washington, DC

DIY moving costs range from $292 to $4,231 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Virginia Beach, VA

DIY moving costs range from $426 to $4,564 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, PA

DIY moving costs range from $455 to $4,638 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA

DIY moving costs range from $455 to $4,638 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Charlotte, NC

DIY moving costs range from $690 to $5,227 on average.

Average Cross-Country Moving Costs in Philadelphia

Handling a cross-country move from Philadelphia on your own can save you a significant amount compared to hiring professional movers. Depending on your home's size and the total distance to your destination, DIY long-distance moves generally cost between $874 and $8,799. Remember to budget for fuel, lodging, and extended truck rental fees for the multi-day journey.

Moving from Philadelphia to Chicago, IL

DIY moving costs range from $911 to $5,777 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Tampa, FL

DIY moving costs range from $1,203 to $6,509 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Atlanta, GA

DIY moving costs range from $942 to $5,856 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Miami, FL

DIY moving costs range from $1,351 to $6,878 on average.

Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, CA

DIY moving costs range from $2,870 to $10,676 on average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to estimate moving costs in Philadelphia, PA?

When estimating moving costs in Philadelphia, start by determining whether your move is local or long distance, as pricing methods differ. Local moves are generally billed by the hour, while long-distance relocations factor in mileage, shipment weight, and any additional services. The size of your home, the number of items, and any special handling requirements—like fragile or oversized belongings—will also affect your total cost.

What factors affect the cost of hiring movers in Philadelphia?

The cost of hiring movers in Philadelphia depends on the distance of your move, the number of belongings, and the services you require. Additional options—like packing, storage, or moving large or delicate items—can increase expenses. City-specific factors like narrow streets, apartment buildings without elevators, or restricted parking may add to labor time, and permits for loading zones can also affect the final cost.

How does the time of year affect moving costs in Philadelphia?

The time of year you move can significantly affect moving costs in Philadelphia. Summer is typically the busiest season, with high demand for movers often leading to higher rates and limited scheduling options. Moving during late fall, winter, or early spring may provide more availability and lower prices, though winter weather can sometimes impact travel and timing.

Can I negotiate the price with moving companies in Philadelphia?

Yes, many Philadelphia moving companies are open to negotiating their rates, particularly if your moving dates are flexible. Gathering quotes from multiple companies can help you compare offers, and asking about discounts, bundled services, or seasonal specials may lower your overall costs. If you find a better quote elsewhere, some movers may also be willing to offer a price match.

How to save on moving costs in Philadelphia?

To save on moving costs in Philadelphia, start by donating or selling things you no longer need to reduce the number of items you'll need to move. Packing your own boxes and sourcing affordable or free supplies from local stores or community groups can also help lower expenses. Scheduling your move during off-peak times and combining DIY efforts with professional help for heavy or bulky items is another effective way to manage costs.

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Need help planning your move from Philadelphia? Explore our moving tips and resources to make the process easier. And if you need storage to help with your transition, Extra Space Storage has facilities located across the U.S. Find affordable storage near you!