($357+) Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $360 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,840 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 339 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 $993, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,840 or more.
- Moving containers run $869 - $2,689, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $360 - $869.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,635 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Rochester 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 $1,635 - $4,200. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 339 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 339-mile route from Rochester to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $993 - $3,291 | $869 - $1,652 | $360 - $619 | $839 - $1,516 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,635 - $4,200 | $1,123 - $2,205 | $350 - $763 | $917 - $1,853 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,320 - $5,840 | $1,500 - $2,689 | $448 - $869 | $1,262 - $2,377 |
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 Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers for the 339-mile relocation from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $993 and $5,840. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $285 - $1,900, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Rochester typically charge a base rate around $294 plus $216 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $993 - $3,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,635 - $4,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,320 - $5,840
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 Rochester to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Pennsylvania. 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Rochester 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $475 - $4,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $190 - $1,140/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $285 - $2,280 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $950 - $2,850 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,375 - $9,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $712 - $1,352 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items44% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $950 - $2,375 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $760 - $3,325 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling44% of local movers | $285 - $1,425 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect44% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $618 - $1,900 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $285 - $14,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $285 - $3,325+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Rochester 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 Rochester, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Rochester to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,651 - $4,242. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Rochester, NY 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.
Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.56/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Rochester, ranked #17 in New York, based on our analysis of feedback from 291 customers, 70.8% of which is positive.
Address: 2436 Innovation Way, BLDG 10, Rochester, NY, 14607 | Founded: 2003
Moving container costs from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $869 and $2,689. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Rochester typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $869 - $1,652
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,123 - $2,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,500 - $2,689
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $143 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $665 in Rochester, NY, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Philadelphia, PA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York 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 $869. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,123 - $2,205, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester:
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Tony Caccamise Moving Co., Inc. (4.8/5), 50 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Plan on $360 - $869 for a rental moving truck on the 339-mile route from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $102 - $117
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Rochester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Rochester to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $360 - $619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $350 - $763
- 4+ bedrooms: $448 - $869
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Rochester to Philadelphia starts at $360 - $869, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($102 - $117) , overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $143 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $62 and $309 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $102 - $117 in fuel for the 339-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $665 in Rochester, New York, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Rochester 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 Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Rochester, New York, 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 $855 and $1,853.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $839 - $1,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $917 - $1,853
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,262 - $2,377
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 Rochester, New York, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $665.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $143 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 Rochester to Philadelphia?
- 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.
- Stingray Transport, LLC (4.42/5 stars): Stingray Transport, LLC 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: Rochester, NY 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 Rochester on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Rochester, NY | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 89 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $120,492 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $46,628/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 61/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 36.66/100 | 33.91/100 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New York to Pennsylvania, 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. New York alone has 147 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 339-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 339-mile move from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, costs between $993 and $5,840 with full-service movers, $869 - $2,689 with a moving container, and $360 - $869 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,635 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA
How much does it cost to move from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $993 to $5,840, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $993 and $5,840, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Rochester, NY 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 $350 - $763. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($102 - $117), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Rochester, NY 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 Rochester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Rochester handle piano moves, and 44% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.