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How Much Do Movers Cost in Philadelphia, PA ?

Quick answer: The average cost for local movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is between $459 and $4,206, or roughly $128 per hour. If you’re relocating beyond Pennsylvania, the cost for long-distance movers in Philadelphia varies based on the size and scope of your move.

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I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that fit’s your budget.
I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that fit’s your budget.
Use our moving cost calculator to get an accurate quote for your move.
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Average cost of local movers in Philadelphia, PA

Securing the services of a moving company in Philadelphia simplifies the moving process significantly, offering exceptional convenience. This convenience, however, comes with a higher cost than moving on your own would.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in Philadelphia based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $459 $179 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $638 $179 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $1,031 $250 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,383 $351 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,734 $351 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,206 $491 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $179.
  • One bedroom: Planning to move from a one-bedroom apartment or home? Anticipate costs of about $179 per hour for a team of two movers working for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: For a move involving a two-bedroom house in Pennsylvania, expect to pay roughly $250 hourly. Usually, it requires three movers working about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: In Pennsylvania, movers charge $351 per hour for managing a three-bedroom home. Completing this move typically involves a team of four over the course of eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Expect a four-bedroom move in Pennsylvania to require four movers, taking roughly nine hours, at a rate of $351 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Pennsylvania movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $491 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about 10 hours.

Heads up, Philadelphia: Movers charge an average of $128 per hour across PA — that’s below the national average of $139.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Philadelphia move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA

Through meticulous evaluation of license status, insurance offerings, customer testimonials, and a variety of other data, our dedicated team has identified the top moving companies in Philadelphia.

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving stands out for making moves run smoothly, with 58% of customer feedback rating their work highly. Many customers highlight the team’s efficiency, upbeat attitude, and professional manner, creating a stress-free experience even in challenging situations. Quick, careful service and clear communication set Bellhop apart from typical moving companies.
Affordable pricing and approachable staff are often referenced as reasons many would book again. On the downside, a significant portion of input reports last-minute delays, missed appointments, and property damage. These reliability and damage concerns occur more frequently with Bellhop than with traditional, established movers. Some customers also describe struggles with reaching support or navigating the claims process after incidents. While many moves go off without a hitch and cost less than competitors, those considering Bellhop should know there is a real risk of unpredictable scheduling and occasionally careless handling. Reliable and energetic crews deliver standout service when all goes right, but people with rigid timelines or valuable possessions should weigh these risks carefully when booking.
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Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2878240

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. earns high praise from customers, with 88% of feedback sharing positive experiences out of 237 total reviews. Clients highlight quick and efficient service, careful handling of belongings, courteous staff, strong communication, and movers who go out of their way to help. Reviewers note that estimates tend to match final charges, and moves are handled responsibly, with many team members recognized by name for their professionalism.
Some negative feedback centers around damaged items, delays in claim responses, and a small number of complaints about surprise charges or poor communication after issues arise. Compared to industry averages, Anchor stands out for efficiency and thoroughness but receives similar complaints as other movers regarding claim resolution and damage. Most customers recommend the company, but those looking for seamless problem resolution may want to confirm coverage and response policies before booking.
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Get a Quote (856) 787-9898

Company Info

State license #: 125550

Years in Business: 51

DOT #: 125550


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Customers overwhelmingly highlight Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport for efficiency, professionalism, and swift, careful moves. Out of 379 feedback entries, nearly 89% express satisfaction, often noting attentive communication, staff courtesy, and fast moving days. Many share relief over stress-free moves and transparent pricing, with several users calling them the best moving company they’ve worked with.
Positive remarks compare Suburban favorably against competitors, especially for politeness and value. Negative input, while less frequent, details concerns with item damage, some unfriendly interactions, and unexpected charges. Damage to property or belongings is the most common concern in complaints. Compared to similar companies, Suburban Solutions sets itself apart for speedy, courteous service, but could improve by addressing damages and reinforcing consistent customer care throughout each move.
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Get a Quote (610) 601-3240

Company Info

State license #:

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Helpful movers
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Poor complaint handling
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Gentle Giant Moving Company stands out for its efficient, careful, and professional teams. Nearly every piece of customer input praises their speedy service, thoughtful handling, and helpful, friendly staff. Most customers report easy, stress-free moves and appreciate the crew’s communication and respect for property.
Many note that movers quickly finish the job, often coming in under the original estimate. Pricing is described as fair and transparent, and multiple customers return for repeat moves. Only a small fraction of feedback reports damage to items, with frustration focused on slow complaint or claims handling and a lack of responsiveness after issues arise. Claims of mishandled repairs and unresolved complaints cluster within negative reviews, which remain rare compared to competitors. On balance, Gentle Giant Moving Company receives a remarkably high rate of positive feedback among moving companies, with a reputation for reliable, courteous, and efficient service.
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Get a Quote (267) 606-4210

Company Info

State license #: 373544

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 373544


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Helpful movers
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving excellence stands out in Transtar Moving Systems feedback, with 257 reviews analyzed and over 91% praising the service. Customers consistently compliment the staff’s professionalism, exceptional care with belongings, efficiency, helpful attitudes, and rapid process. Many highlight smooth moves, polite crews, and stress relief compared to other movers.
Negative input, while rare, focuses on property damage, lost items, and unexpected charges, areas where some felt let down. Most concerns relate to issues during storage, delivery, or billing confusion. Compared to competitors, Transtar receives stronger recommendations and more frequent mentions of careful handling and helpful staff, positioning them as a top choice for reliable moves with minimal hassle and friendly service.
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Get a Quote (856) 727-1060

Company Info

State license #: 39PC00058806

Years in Business: 63

DOT #: 939629


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby Pennsylvania citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Philadelphia, PA

Since the cost of moving out of Philadelphia depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Philadelphia or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Philadelphia

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of Pennsylvania:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from Philadelphia

Out-of-state moving costs from Philadelphia for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.

That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from Philadelphia:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from Philadelphia

Out-of-state moves from Philadelphia involving moving four-bedroom homes can vary significantly in price. Factors like distance, volume, and seasonal demand all impact the total cost.

Below are sample price ranges for long-distance moves with four or more bedrooms from Philadelphia:

Best interstate moving companies in Philadelphia, PA

Once you have a good idea of the cost to move out of Pennsylvania, your next move is to check out the best long-distance movers serving Philadelphia .

Best overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Philadelphia, PA

In Philadelphia, the cost of moving containers begins at approximately $480 for local relocations. For more distant in-state or regional moves, this cost can increase to around $2,980. Should you be considering a coast-to-coast journey, you might face expenses over $6,930. The total cost will primarily be influenced by the distance of your move and the size of the container you choose.

Best moving containers in Philadelphia, PA

You can always start by checking out these other top-rated moving container companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Average cost to rent a moving truck in Philadelphia, PA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Philadelphia is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19- $39 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $1- $1, depending on how far you’re moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Here are the typical costs of Philadelphia rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19 – $39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $1 – $1 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • Rental duration
  • Distance driven
  • Fuel costs
  • Lodging and meals
  • Parking permits or fees
  • Toll charges
  • Rental of moving tools or dollies
  • Optional insurance coverage

Best moving truck rentals in Philadelphia, PA

The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in Philadelphia. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Philadelphia, PA

When considering labor-only moving companies in Philadelphia, expect to pay a rate of $65 per hour for each person on the moving team. Many moves, even compact one-bedroom apartments, necessitate hiring at least two movers, thus bringing your hourly cost to approximately $130 in Philadelphia.

Best labor-only moving companies in Philadelphia

The best Philadelphia labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Philadelphia, PA

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Philadelphia move:

  • How far you’re moving: The cost goes up the farther you’re moving. Local moves are typically less expensive than out-of-state or cross-country moves, which require more time, fuel, and labor.
  • Move size: The more belongings you need to transport, the more it’ll cost. Bigger moves usually require larger trucks and more movers.
  • Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Consider extra insurance. Full-service movers must provide basic coverage — called released value protection — at no additional charge. It’s free, but offers very limited protection: just $0.60 per pound per item, no matter what it’s worth. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $1,000 gets damaged, you’d only be reimbursed $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Many movers — and some home insurers — also offer full-value insurance based on your item’s actual worth for an added fee.
  • Make sure you’re following the rules. HOAs and managed properties often enforce specific moving times or days. Double-check these restrictions and give your building manager a heads-up to stay compliant and avoid delays.
  • Have documentation ready. You might need to show proof of insurance or elevator reservations when moving in or out of an apartment. This info is usually outlined in your moving contract, so gather it before the big day arrives.

What discounts do Philadelphia movers offer?

Some movers in Philadelphia advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:

Type of discount Philadelphia Pennsylvania National average
AAA members 1.47% 0.95% 1.13%
Seniors 1.47% 0.95% 4.31%
Students 1.47% 0.0% 1.17%
Teachers 0.0% 0.0% 0.35%
Law enforcement 0.0% 0.0% 0.72%
Military 1.47% 0.0% 3.97%

Discounts aren’t universal — be sure to ask your Philadelphia movers if they offer any when requesting quotes.

What is the cheapest way to move to Philadelphia?

If you’re looking to save some cash, you could hire a container company to let you handle the packing and loading while they move your items through Philadelphia. Alternatively, you might rent a moving truck and manage the entire job solo.

Here are the average moving costs from Philadelphia to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
New Orleans $2,689 – $6,184 $1,544 – $3,067 $830 – $1,705
Portland $1,729 – $4,784 $1,122 – $2,282 $373 – $810
Detroit $2,032 – $5,381 $1,255 – $2,389 $457 – $997

How to pay for your Philadelphia move

Looking for flexible payment options? See how many movers in Philadelphia take cash, money orders, or checks, and how that compares to others across PA and the nation.

Payment method Philadelphia Pennsylvania U.S.
Credit card 59 89 2863
Cash 29 36 824
Money order 9 11 272

Whether you’re paying in cash or card, it’s smart to double-check your options before moving day.

Helpful Philadelphia resources

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