Philadelphia, PA to Dallas, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best PA→TX movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Dallas

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Dallas runs about 11% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Philadelphia.

Singles spend around $2,828 in Dallas versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $7,793 compared with $6,190.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Philadelphia	Dallas
Average 1 BR rent	$1,791	$1,616
Average 3 BR rent	$3,116	$3,504
Average home value	$216,914	$303,900
Average income (per capita)	$70,746	$68,291
Cost of living (single)	$2,541	$2,828
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,190	$7,793
Unemployment rate	10.6%	3.6%
Sales tax	8.0%	8.25%
State income tax	3.07%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Moving to Dallas from Philadelphia won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Dallas are about 40% higher than those in Philadelphia.
In terms of average income, Dallas and Philadelphia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Dallas, as living costs for a single person are 11% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Dallas, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Dallas is 26% higher than in Philadelphia.
The unemployment rate in Dallas is about 66% lower than in Philadelphia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
Sales taxes hold steady between Dallas and Philadelphia (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Philadelphia and Dallas:

Living Expense	Philadelphia	Dallas
Basic utilities	$269.29	$227.04
Cell phone plan	$61.40	$76.44
Dozen eggs	$4.30	$3.76
Loaf of bread	$4.15	$3.64
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90.00	$80.00
Gym membership	$48.67	$41.69

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Dallas.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Philadelphia than in Dallas.
Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Dallas.
Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Dallas.
The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Dallas.
Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Dallas.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Dallas

	Philadelphia	Dallas
Population	1,603,797	1,304,379
Transportation score	9	6
Walkability score	75	46
Bike friendliness score	67	49
Crime index	66.09	51.4
Safety index	33.91	48.6
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Dallas's population is about 19% less than Philadelphia.
Dallas's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
Dallas is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
Dallas has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
Dallas's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 51.4 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
Dallas is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 48.6 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
Air quality in Dallas is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Dallas move

HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Dallas. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Dallas

Planning your move to Big D? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Dallas.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Bishop Arts District
Deep Ellum
Design District
Knox-Henderson
Uptown

Best neighborhoods for families

Preston Hollow
Lake Highlands
Uptown
Preston Highlands
Lakewood
Richardson
University Park

Things to do in Dallas

After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Dallas has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Dallas features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas Museum of Art.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Klyde Warren Park, White Rock Lake Park, Main Street Garden Park, and Fair Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Texas Rangers (MLB)Dallas Cowboys (NFL)Dallas Stars (NHL)Dallas Mavericks (NBA)FC Dallas (MLS)Dallas Wings (WNBA)Dallas Rattlers (MLL)Frisco Fighters (IFL)Dallas Jackals (MLR) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Dallas?

Planning your move from Philadelphia to Dallas? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Dallas?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Dallas in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Philadelphia to Dallas take?

The 1,467-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Dallas, TX, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Dallas.

Are there special savings available from movers in Philadelphia?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Philadelphia?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can manage piano relocations. 41 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.