($169+) Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $166 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,446 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 145 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $674, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,446 or more.
- Moving containers run $749 - $2,212, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $166 - $374.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,165 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Arlington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,165 - $3,708. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 145-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 145-mile route from Philadelphia to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $674 - $2,902 | $749 - $1,332 | $166 - $273 | $707 - $1,211 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,165 - $3,708 | $1,000 - $1,799 | $179 - $312 | $747 - $1,397 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,635 - $4,446 | $1,225 - $2,212 | $215 - $374 | $961 - $1,820 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
For the 145-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $674 and $4,446. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $384 - $2,560 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $674 - $2,902
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,165 - $3,708
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,635 - $4,446
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 Philadelphia to Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Arlington, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $640 - $6,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $256 - $1,536/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $384 - $3,072 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,280 - $3,840 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,200 - $12,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $959 - $1,821 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,280 - $3,200 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,024 - $4,480 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $384 - $1,920 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $832 - $2,560 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $384 - $19,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $384 - $4,480+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Arlington?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Arlington with a local mover averages $1,211 - $3,856. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $749 and $2,212. 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 Philadelphia costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $749 - $1,332
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,000 - $1,799
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,212
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $96 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $192 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Arlington, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $896 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Virginia 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 $749. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,000 - $1,799, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Arlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
Plan on $166 - $374 for a rental moving truck on the 145-mile route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $59 - $67
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $166 - $273
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $179 - $312
- 4+ bedrooms: $215 - $374
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $166 - $374 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Arlington. Fuel alone runs ($59 - $67) , and overnight lodging ($192/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $96 and $448.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $192.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $59 and $67 for the 145-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $896 for 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Arlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
For larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Arlington, Virginia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $747 and $1,397.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $707 - $1,211
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $747 - $1,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $961 - $1,820
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $896.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $96 and $192 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Arlington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia, 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 106 movers in Pennsylvania, so you have real options to compare for this 145-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA, 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 $674 - $4,446 on the 145-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $749 - $2,212 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $166 - $374 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,165 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 U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($59 - $67), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $192/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $674 to $4,446, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $674 and $4,446, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/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 Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
