($1,628+) Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Moving from Seattle, WA, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $1,579 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $14,497 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,808 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,968, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $14,497 or more.
  • Moving containers run $2,073 - $7,891, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,579 - $4,382.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,472 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Moving options from Seattle to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,472 - $9,829 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,808 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,808-mile route from Seattle to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,968 - $7,311 $2,073 - $3,916 $1,579 - $3,251 $1,775 - $3,488
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,472 - $9,829 $2,504 - $5,509 $1,711 - $3,871 $2,152 - $4,583
4+ bedrooms $8,591 - $14,497 $3,601 - $7,891 $2,340 - $4,382 $2,997 - $5,712

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,808-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $2,968 - $14,497. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $409 - $2,728. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Seattle and Philadelphia. Local movers in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,968 - $7,311
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,472 - $9,829
  • 4+ bedrooms: $8,591 - $14,497

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Seattle to Philadelphia.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Specialty needs vary by market — 92% of Seattle movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing97% of local movers$682 - $6,820
Storage in transitNew place not ready92% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$273 - $1,637/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$409 - $3,274
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers$1,364 - $4,092
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,410 - $13,640
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,022 - $1,941
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Seattle Movers$1,364 - $3,410
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company$1,091 - $4,774
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers$409 - $2,046
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage$887 - $2,728
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$409 - $20,460+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$409 - $4,774+

What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to Philadelphia?

Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Seattle, WA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $2,073 and $7,891. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Seattle costs roughly $120/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,073 - $3,916
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,504 - $5,509
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,601 - $7,891

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Seattle, WA and Philadelphia, PA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $955 in Seattle, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $102 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $205 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $2,073. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,504 - $5,509, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Seattle to Philadelphia?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Seattle to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Seattle:

  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
  • On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
  • All Service Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

Renting a moving truck for the 2,808-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $1,579 and $4,382, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $1,219 - $1,393
  • Daily insurance: $41/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
  • Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Seattle to Philadelphia based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,579 - $3,251
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,711 - $3,871
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,340 - $4,382

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,579 - $4,382 does not include fuel ($1,219 - $1,393) , lodging ($205/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Seattle to Philadelphia typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $1,219 - $1,393 for the 2,808-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for about 5 hours typically costs around $955.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 2,808-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $205 per night, adding $409 - $614 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $68 and $409.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle to Philadelphia?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Seattle, WA to Philadelphia, PA

If you're moving a larger household from Seattle, Washington, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,152 and $4,583.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,775 - $3,488
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,152 - $4,583
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,997 - $5,712

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $102 - $205 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for about five hours typically runs $955.

What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Philadelphia?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Philadelphia fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Seattle, WA vs Philadelphia, PA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Seattle, WA Philadelphia, PA
Cost of living index158104
Average rent$1,975/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$911,938$231,098
Average income$121,984/yr$60,698/yr
Unemployment rate4.8%10.6%
State income taxNoneUp to 3.07%
Walkability score74/10075/100
Safety index49.23/10033.91/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Seattle, WA guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Washington to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 95 movers in Washington, so you have real options to compare for this 2,808-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Seattle, WA, to Philadelphia, PA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,968 - $14,497 on the 2,808-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,073 - $7,891 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,579 - $4,382 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $4,472 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.

FAQs: Moving from Seattle, WA, to Philadelphia, PA

How walkable is Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 74 and 71 in Seattle. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia?

For families, Bella Vista, Bustleton, and Chestnut Hill are worth a look in Philadelphia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cedar Park, Fishtown, and Manayunk tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.

What do local movers charge in Seattle?

Local movers based in Seattle typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $141/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Philadelphia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What percentage of Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.