Philadelphia, PA to Santa Clarita, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best PA→CA 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 Santa Clarita

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Santa Clarita runs about 29% higher for singles and 9% higher for families than Philadelphia.

Singles spend around $3,290 in Santa Clarita versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $6,722 compared with $6,190.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Philadelphia	Santa Clarita
Average 1 BR rent	$1,791	$2,908
Average 3 BR rent	$3,116	$3,898
Average home value	$216,914	$804,740
Average income (per capita)	$70,746	$106,166
Cost of living (single)	$2,541	$3,290
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,190	$6,722
Unemployment rate	10.6%	9.6%
Sales tax	8.0%	9.5%
State income tax	3.07%	13.3%

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

Planning a move to Santa Clarita? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 94% higher than in Philadelphia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Santa Clarita are about 271% higher than those in Philadelphia.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 50% higher in Santa Clarita compared to Philadelphia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Santa Clarita, as living costs for a single person are 29% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Santa Clarita, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Santa Clarita is 9% higher than in Philadelphia.
The unemployment rate in Santa Clarita is about 9% 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 in Santa Clarita are 19% more than in Philadelphia, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
Income taxes in California are 333% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

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

Living Expense	Philadelphia	Santa Clarita
Basic utilities	$269.29	$263.33
Cell phone plan	$61.40	$66.79
Dozen eggs	$4.30	$5.26
Loaf of bread	$4.15	$3.97
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$18.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90.00	$85.00
Gym membership	$48.67	$37.00

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.
Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Santa Clarita.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Santa Clarita

	Philadelphia	Santa Clarita
Population	1,603,797	228,673
Transportation score	9	5
Walkability score	75	35
Bike friendliness score	67	33
Crime index	66.09	35.92
Safety index	33.91	64.08
Air quality	Good	Moderate

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

Santa Clarita's population is about 86% less than Philadelphia.
Santa Clarita's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
Santa Clarita is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
Santa Clarita has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
Santa Clarita's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 35.92 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Santa Clarita neighborhoods are safer than 35.92% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
Santa Clarita is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 64.08 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
Air quality in Santa Clarita is Moderate, and in Philadelphia it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Santa Clarita 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: California 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 Santa Clarita. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Santa Clarita

Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Santa Clarita.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Valencia
Newhall
Canyon Country
Saugus
Stevenson Ranch

Best neighborhoods for families

Valencia
Saugus
Stevenson Ranch
Canyon Country
Newhall

Things to do in Santa Clarita

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

Arts and culture: Santa Clarita features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the William S. Hart Museum & Ranch, Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, and The Olde World Emporium.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Santa Clarita Woodlands 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 FC Santa Claritai9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Santa Clarita?

Planning your move from Philadelphia to Santa Clarita? 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 Santa Clarita?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita take?

The 2,707-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Santa Clarita, CA, typically takes seven to 21 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 Santa Clarita.

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.