($661+) Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Columbus, GA, runs anywhere from $635 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,735 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 890 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,993, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,735 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,104 - $3,716, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $635 - $1,715.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Columbus, GA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,541 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Moving options from Philadelphia to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,541 - $5,665 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 890 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 890-mile route from Philadelphia to Columbus, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,993 - $4,754 $1,104 - $2,236 $635 - $1,164 $1,079 - $2,012
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,541 - $5,665 $1,465 - $3,016 $645 - $1,383 $1,208 - $2,365
4+ bedrooms $3,896 - $7,735 $1,910 - $3,716 $885 - $1,715 $1,673 - $3,036

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

For the 890-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Columbus, Georgia, full-service movers cost between $1,993 and $7,735. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $281 - $1,872 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Columbus:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,993 - $4,754
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,541 - $5,665
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,896 - $7,735

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Columbus.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$468 - $4,680
Storage in transitNew place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$187 - $1,123/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$281 - $2,246
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers$936 - $2,808
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,340 - $9,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$701 - $1,332
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage$936 - $2,340
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$749 - $3,276
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers$281 - $1,404
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC$608 - $1,872
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$281 - $14,040+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$281 - $3,276+

What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Columbus?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Georgia Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $1,104 and $3,716. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Columbus:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,236
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $3,016
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,716

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Philadelphia, PA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $655, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $70 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $140 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and Columbus, GA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Georgia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,104. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,465 - $3,016, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Columbus?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:

  • Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
  • Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
  • Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Renting a moving truck for the 890-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Columbus, Georgia, costs between $635 and $1,715, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $265 - $303
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Columbus based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $635 - $1,164
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $645 - $1,383
  • 4+ bedrooms: $885 - $1,715

Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $635 - $1,715. But once you factor in fuel ($265 - $303) , overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $265 - $303 for the 890-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours typically costs around $655.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 890-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $281 - $421 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $281.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Columbus?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Columbus, Georgia, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,208 and $2,365.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Columbus:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,079 - $2,012
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,365
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,673 - $3,036

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $70 and $140.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly five hours typically average $655.

What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Columbus?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Columbus fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Columbus, GA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Philadelphia, PA Columbus, GA
Cost of living index10478
Average rent$1,695/mo$1,100/mo
Median home value$231,098$179,307
Average income$60,698/yr$56,622/yr
Unemployment rate10.6%5.3%
State income taxUp to 3.07%Up to 5.49%
Walkability score75/10025/100
Safety index33.91/10027.82/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Georgia, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Pennsylvania alone has 106 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 890-mile move like this one.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 890-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Columbus, GA, run $1,993 - $7,735 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,104 - $3,716, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $635 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,541, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aflac and TSYS.

FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Columbus, GA

What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $645 - $1,383. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Columbus, GA?

Costs on this route range from around $1,993 to $7,735, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,993 and $7,735, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?

Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Columbus run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Georgia?

Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints.

What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.