($282+) Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Providence, RI, runs anywhere from $282 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,435 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 273 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $927, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,435 or more.
- Moving containers run $823 - $2,489, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $282 - $716.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Providence, RI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,469 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 Providence, RI
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Providence: 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 $1,469 - $4,254. Containers cost roughly 24% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 273 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 273-mile route from Philadelphia to Providence, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $927 for a studio up to $5,435 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $823 - $2,489 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $282 - $716, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $780 - $2,053, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI
For the 273-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Providence, Rhode Island, full-service movers cost between $927 and $5,435. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $318 - $2,120 (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 Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $927 - $3,367
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,469 - $4,254
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,883 - $5,435
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 Providence.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Providence, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $530 - $5,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $212 - $1,272/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $318 - $2,544 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,060 - $3,180 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,650 - $10,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $794 - $1,508 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,060 - $2,650 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $848 - $3,710 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $318 - $1,590 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $689 - $2,120 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $318 - $15,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $318 - $3,710+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Providence?
- 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 Providence with a local mover averages $1,396 - $4,042. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Providence, Rhode Island, cost between $823 and $2,489. 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 Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $823 - $1,509
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,116 - $2,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,387 - $2,489
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $742 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $159 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Providence, RI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Rhode Island 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 $823. 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 $1,116 - $2,072.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Providence?
- 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:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI
Renting a moving truck for the 273-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Providence, Rhode Island, costs between $282 and $716, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $92 - $105
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Providence based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $282 - $508
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $302 - $646
- 4+ bedrooms: $366 - $716
Pro tip: The base rate of $282 - $716 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Philadelphia to Providence. Fuel ($92 - $105), lodging at around $159/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $159 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $742 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 273-mile drive falls between $92 and $105, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $53 and $318 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Providence, Rhode Island. 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 $954 and $1,608.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $780 - $1,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $868 - $1,608
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,155 - $2,053
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 $742.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $80 and $159 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Providence?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Philadelphia to Providence, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Providence, RI
Day-to-day costs in Providence are close to what you're used to in Philadelphia: cost of living index of 109 versus 104, with average rent of $2,200/mo compared to $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 75/100 and 33.91/100 in Philadelphia versus 76/100 and 50.16/100 in Providence.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Rhode Island, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Pennsylvania alone has 235 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 273-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Philadelphia, PA, to Providence, RI, 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 $927 - $5,435 on the 273-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $823 - $2,489, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $282 - $716. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,469 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 Textron and United Natural Foods.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Providence, RI
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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 Providence run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI?
Costs on this route range from around $282 to $5,435, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $927 and $5,435, 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.
How walkable is Providence?
Providence has a walkability score of 76 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 61, 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.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.