($217+) Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Hartford, CT, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $217 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,851 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 209 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 $783, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,851 or more.
- Moving containers run $787 - $2,411, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $217 - $582.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Hartford, CT, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,308 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 Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Hartford to Philadelphia: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,308 - $3,884. Containers cost roughly 23% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 81% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 209 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 209-mile route from Hartford to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $783 - $3,068 | $787 - $1,422 | $217 - $398 | $694 - $1,181 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,308 - $3,884 | $1,003 - $1,892 | $248 - $475 | $779 - $1,529 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,725 - $4,851 | $1,262 - $2,411 | $303 - $582 | $1,041 - $1,816 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
For the 209-mile move from Hartford, Connecticut, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, full-service movers cost between $783 and $4,851. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (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 Hartford generally start around $300 plus $180 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Hartford to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $783 - $3,068
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,308 - $3,884
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $4,851
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 Hartford to Philadelphia.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Hartford movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Colonial Moving & Storage | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs43% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: RT Relocation | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type47% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Colonial Moving & Storage | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect16% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Hartford to Philadelphia?
All three below meet the standards set by the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, the group most Pennsylvania movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Hartford, CT?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Hartford to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,243 - $3,690. Working with a local mover based in Hartford, CT often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
RT Relocation (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Hartford, based on our analysis of feedback from 815 customers, 95.8% of which is positive.
Address: 10 Diana Court, Cheshire, CT, 06410 | Founded: 2010
Moving container costs from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Hartford, Connecticut, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $787 and $2,411. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Hartford typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Hartford to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $787 - $1,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,003 - $1,892
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,262 - $2,411
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Hartford, CT 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 $732 in Hartford, CT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $78 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $157 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 Connecticut 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 $787. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,003 - $1,892.
What are the best moving containers Hartford to Philadelphia?
- 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 Hartford 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 Hartford:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 0 years in business
- Two Brothers Moving (4.7/5), 18 years in business
- A Plus Moving, LLC (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 209 miles from Hartford, Connecticut, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, running $217 - $582. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $70 - $79
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Hartford daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Hartford to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $217 - $398
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $248 - $475
- 4+ bedrooms: $303 - $582
Pro tip: A rental truck from Hartford to Philadelphia looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $217 - $582. But once you factor in fuel ($70 - $79), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Hartford, Connecticut, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $732.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $70 - $79 for the 209-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $63 and $340, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night for hotel stops on the 209-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $314 - $471.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Hartford to Philadelphia?
- 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 Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Hartford, Connecticut, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $941 and $1,529.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Hartford to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $694 - $1,181
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $779 - $1,529
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,041 - $1,816
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Hartford, Connecticut, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $732.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $78 - $157 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Hartford to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Hartford to Philadelphia. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Hartford, CT vs Philadelphia, PA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Hartford and Philadelphia to plan around. Cost of living index: 105 vs. 104. Average rent: $1,330/mo vs. $1,695/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 67 vs. 75. Safety index: 36.25 vs. 33.91.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Hartford, CT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Connecticut to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 112 movers in our Connecticut network to compare for this 209-mile move.
Our take
A move from Hartford, CT, to Philadelphia, PA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $783 - $4,851 on the 209-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $787 - $2,411, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $217 - $582. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,308 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Hartford, CT, to Philadelphia, PA
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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $248 - $475. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Philadelphia a safe place to live?
Philadelphia has a safety index of 33.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.09, compared to 36.25 and 63.75 in Hartford. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Hartford, CT to Philadelphia, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Hartford movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 47% of movers in Hartford handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.