Modesto, CA to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• Good news! When moving to Philadelphia from Modesto, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 6% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 51% cheaper in Philadelphia, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 6% higher in Philadelphia than in Modesto, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Philadelphia, as the cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 10% greater than in Modesto. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Philadelphia and Modesto, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won't notice a significant change in expenses.
• The unemployment rate in Philadelphia exceeds that of Modesto by about 32%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
• Sales taxes are 10% lower in Philadelphia than Modesto, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Income taxes are 77% lower in Pennsylvania than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Philadelphia's population is about 634% greater than Modesto.
• Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
• Philadelphia is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
• With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Philadelphia and Modesto have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 65.76, respectively.
• Philadelphia and Modesto have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.91 and 34.24.
• Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Philadelphia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

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

Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania, it's the perfect time to explore Philadelphia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include museums and art centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.