Dayton, OH to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Dayton to Philadelphia typically costs $2,500–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 539 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Dayton to Philadelphia
Moving from Dayton, OH to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $2,500–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 539-mile move from Dayton to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $1,970 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,427 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,655 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 08, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 01, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Dayton to Philadelphia
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Dayton to Philadelphia may only cost $1,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,700.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Dayton.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Dayton, OH guide.
Best Dayton to Philadelphia movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Dayton to Philadelphia
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Dayton to Philadelphia. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best OH→PA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Ohio moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Dayton to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Philadelphia runs about 60% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Dayton.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $1,593 in Dayton; families pay $6,190 compared with $3,788.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dayton | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,192 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,683 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,593 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,788 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 83% more expensive in Philadelphia than in Dayton. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 60% steeper in Philadelphia compared to Dayton.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 13% greater in Philadelphia than in Dayton, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Philadelphia, with the cost of living for a single person being 60% more than in Dayton. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Philadelphia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 63% higher than in Dayton.
- Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than Dayton by about 56%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia surpass those in Dayton by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 12% less in Pennsylvania compared to Ohio, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Dayton versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Dayton | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.37 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.17 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.02 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.61 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $57.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.34 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Dayton than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Dayton than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Philadelphia
| Dayton | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 67 |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 40.68 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 1065% greater than Dayton.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Dayton's score of 6.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Dayton with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Dayton, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 66.09 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Dayton with a score of 33.91 vs Dayton's 40.68.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Dayton it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Philadelphia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Philadelphia?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Dayton to Philadelphia. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from Dayton to Philadelphia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Dayton to Philadelphia take?
The 539-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Philadelphia, PA, takes one to six days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.
What kinds of discounts do Dayton movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Dayton, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Dayton?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Dayton provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
