Highly rated local moving companies for Lancaster to Philadelphia moves
Organizing a move from Lancaster to Philadelphia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 21 local movers in Lancaster known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lancaster to Philadelphia.
- Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Elite Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen’s Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 159158
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 1861478
Alternate Names: Speedwell Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0061148
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 34380
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189126
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1360438
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191251
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2399435
Alternate Names: Oleg’s Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Philadelphia?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,314 – $5,294 | $1,416 – $3,356 | $1,473 – $2,800 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,615 – $7,702 | $2,440 – $4,938 | $1,677 – $3,503 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,800 – $11,334 | $3,198 – $7,140 | $1,998 – $4,340 |
Cost to hire movers from Lancaster to Philadelphia
When planning a move to Philadelphia from Lancaster, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,314 and $5,294. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,615 and $7,702 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,800 to $11,334.
Cost of moving containers from Lancaster to Philadelphia
When you’re heading from Lancaster to Philadelphia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,416 and $3,356. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,440 and $4,938. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,198 to $7,140. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lancaster to Philadelphia
A moving rental truck from Lancaster to Philadelphia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,473 to $2,800. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,677 to $3,503, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Lancaster to Philadelphia costs around $1,998 to $4,340.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Lancaster to Philadelphia
The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lancaster to Philadelphia may only cost $2,540, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,269.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lancaster.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,473–$3,694), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about 0% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than Lancaster.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Lancaster versus $2,540 in Lancaster; families pay $6,190 compared with $5,562.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lancaster | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,305 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $473,053 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,723 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,540 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,562 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 35% less expensive in Philadelphia than in Lancaster, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 54% cheaper in Philadelphia than in Lancaster.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Philadelphia and Lancaster are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Philadelphia and Lancaster, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- When considering a family move to Philadelphia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 11% higher than in Lancaster.
- Philadelphia has a lower unemployment rate than Lancaster by about 32%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 22% cheaper in Philadelphia compared to Lancaster. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 77% less in Pennsylvania compared to California, 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 Lancaster versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Lancaster | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $225.00 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.67 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.51 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lancaster than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
- Bread is more expensive in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lancaster than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Philadelphia
| Lancaster | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 0 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 29 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 40 | 67 |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 54.5 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 824% greater than Lancaster.
- Philadelphia has a public transportation score of 9 out of 10, while Lancaster has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Lancaster’s 29 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 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 Lancaster with a score of 66.09 compared to Lancaster’s 45.5. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 33.91 vs Lancaster’s 54.5.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Lancaster it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Lancaster and Philadelphia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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 Lancaster to Philadelphia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lancaster to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Philadelphia take?
The 2,692-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Philadelphia, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Lancaster 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 Lancaster movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Lancaster, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lancaster?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Lancaster provide piano moving services. 15 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Lancaster moving services
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