Pittsburgh to Philadelphia Movers & Costs (2026)
The cost to move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, PA is $317 - $6,103 for the ~304-mile route, depending on home size and whether you hire full-service movers or go the DIY route.
Local movers such as Don Farr Moving & Storage, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 204 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $75/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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November is a low-cost month to move in Pittsburgh
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Pittsburgh to Philadelphia are regulated by Pennsylvania law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Pennsylvania intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Pennsylvania companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.56/5) as the top local pick, followed by All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.42/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Pittsburgh to Philadelphia moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 267+ Pennsylvania movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
Expect to spend between $317 and $6,103* on a Pittsburgh to Philadelphia move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $909 - $6,103
- Moving containers: $827 - $2,625
- Rental trucks: $317 - $761
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive the route yourself and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $909 - $3,363 | $827 - $1,445 | $317 - $538 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,472 - $4,322 | $1,055 - $2,111 | $319 - $691 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,183 - $6,103 | $1,496 - $2,625 | $398 - $761 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 267+ Pennsylvania moving companies, and are updated as of November 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Pittsburgh, PA movers.
How Pittsburgh to Philadelphia moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $75 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $900.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
Moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia is a job for local and regional Pennsylvania movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Don Farr Moving & Storage leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 204 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
Local movers operating within Pennsylvania know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 45
- 35% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.42 / 5
- Years in Business: 27
- 78% positive reviews
- BBB: A
rating
4.48 / 5
- Years in Business: 96
- 90% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.56/5 stars): 34.8% positive customer ratings.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.42/5 stars): 77.9% positive customer ratings.
- South Hills Movers (4.48/5 stars): 90.1% positive customer ratings.
- Diversity Moving Company (4.5/5 stars): 95.9% positive customer ratings.
- Gardner Moving (4.44/5 stars): 91.7% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 48 movers in Pittsburgh, drawing on 12,502 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
How does Philadelphia compare to Pittsburgh?
Cost of living: Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Pittsburgh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $225,618 | $231,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,187 | $60,698 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 10.6% |
| Average sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 267+ Pennsylvania moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 13% higher than in Pittsburgh. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 13% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Philadelphia match Pittsburgh. A like-for-like home will require a similar down payment and mortgage.
- Average income in Philadelphia matches Pittsburgh. Salary expectations and earning potential carry over from your current market.
- Cost of living for one person in Philadelphia is 19% higher than Pittsburgh. Plan to add roughly 19% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Philadelphia is 24% higher than Pittsburgh. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Philadelphia runs 49% higher than Pittsburgh. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 14% higher than Pittsburgh. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,570 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Philadelphia might look different from Pittsburgh in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Pittsburgh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 1,603,797 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 81-18 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 28" | 13" |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 66.09 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Pennsylvania can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 19% of movers in Pennsylvania, vs 23% nationally).
- Philadelphia is 429% larger in size than Pittsburgh. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Philadelphia (87°F) match Pittsburgh (84°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Pittsburgh (21°F) and Philadelphia (26°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Philadelphia is 47 inches, vs. 38 inches in Pittsburgh. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Pittsburgh is 28 inches, vs. 13 inches in Philadelphia. Lower snow load reduces winter gear, plowing, and heating costs.
- Crime index in Philadelphia (66.09) is higher than Pittsburgh (37.74). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Philadelphia
Philadelphia's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Philadelphia
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes
- Museum of the American Revolution
- The Franklin Institute
Parks in Philadelphia
- Wissahickon Valley Park
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Fairmount Park
- Love Park
- Penn's Landing
Sports teams in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Philadelphia
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Drexel University College of Medicine
Final verdict: Pittsburgh to Philadelphia movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Pennsylvania service. For smaller moves, Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.56/5) is the top local choice, with 34.8% positive reviews across 204 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $317 - $6,103, based on our analysis of 267+ Pennsylvania movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
How much are moving container companies from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
Moving containers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia cost $612 - $1,449 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,055 - $2,111, and a larger home costs $1,496 - $2,625.
How much is a moving truck from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
A rental truck from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia costs $324 - $583 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $319 - $691 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $398 - $761 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How far in advance should I book Pittsburgh-to-Philadelphia movers?
Book your Pittsburgh to Philadelphia movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia?
The cheapest time to move to Philadelphia is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
Is moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia considered a long-distance move?
A move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia is classified as an intrastate move, governed by Pennsylvania law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid Pennsylvania intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.