Quick answer: For a 836-mile move from Huntsville to Philadelphia, expect to spend around $717–$6,936 and two to seven days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to Huntsville guide.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

From Alabama to Pennsylvania, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Huntsville has 8 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.

After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Huntsville for every moving option.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from Huntsville to Philadelphia

A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Huntsville to Philadelphia far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Huntsville?toggle

Availability varies a lot by market. Use this table to see how common each service is among movers in Huntsville, compared to all of AL and nationwide, so you can spot what’s easy to book and what may take extra planning.

Service Huntsville (Count) Huntsville (%) Alabama (Count) Alabama (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 8 100% 43 100% 2835 98%
Unpacking 8 100% 42 98% 2800 97%
Fragile-only packing 2 25% 10 23% 717 25%
Packing materials 5 63% 26 60% 1683 58%
Storage
Storage 7 88% 38 88% 2501 87%
Climate-controlled storage 3 38% 15 35% 975 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 6 75% 28 65% 1886 65%
Art 2 25% 10 23% 1400 48%
Antiques 3 38% 14 33% 1400 48%
Piano 7 88% 33 77% 2175 75%
Hot tub 1 13% 10 23% 669 23%
Pool table 1 13% 13 30% 943 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to PA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 33 Alabama movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Huntsville to Philadelphia journey

Organizing a move from Huntsville to Philadelphia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Huntsville known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Huntsville to Philadelphia.

  1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. This Side Up Moving & Storage : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Applewhite Movers LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Tie Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/twomenhuntsville/, https://x.com/twomenhsv
85% of all reviews were positive
13% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Two Men and a Truck frequently means careful handling and a courteous, professional team. Analysis of 247 pieces of customer feedback reveals 85% positive experiences. Movers stand out for treating furniture and fragile items with care, working efficiently, and keeping customers informed.
Packing is meticulous, and jobs are often finished quickly. Communication from the office and booking staff is reliable. Many customers returned to the company after trying competitors who didn’t measure up. On the downside, about 13% of feedback reports notable problems. Damaged belongings top complaints, followed by delays and trouble resolving issues with the claims department. A handful of families described slow moves or items arriving late, and several noted poor follow-up when filing claims for broken items. Compared to most moving services, Two Men and a Truck’s drivers and teams deliver stronger respect for property and quicker, friendlier service. Some customers did pay more than expected or faced communication lapses when there was a problem, but the majority received a seamless, damage-free move with attentive, helpful service.
Show more
Get a Quote (256) 392-9462

Company Info

State license #: 614

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MotivatedMoversBirmingham, https://twitter.com/MMoversBham
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Top marks for hustle: the vast majority of the 255 feedback entries for Motivated Movers, Inc. praise efficient moving, professional teams, and careful handling of customer belongings. Nearly 94% of customers shared a positive experience, highlighting staff courtesy, quick and organized service, and movers who routinely went the extra mile. Clients often compare Motivated Movers favorably to other companies, citing lower stress, reasonable prices, and reliable communication.
On the rare occasion issues occurred (about 6% of input), most complaints centered on items damaged, unexpectedly high final bills, or unprofessional behavior by management during disputes. A single neutral review noted high costs and poorly protected appliances. Motivated Movers appears to perform far above industry averages in service quality, with especially strong marks for professionalism and efficiency, but future customers should clarify pricing and keep an eye on item care to avoid rare pitfalls.
Show more
Get a Quote (256) 858-6683

Company Info

Years in Business: 14


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Home-Mover/This-Side-Up-Moving-575232349339672/, https://twitter.com/tsumoving?lang=en
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about This Side Up Moving & Storage for their professionalism, careful handling, efficiency, and strong communication, with 229 out of 244 reviews praising these traits. Movers regularly earn praise for their courtesy, quick moving process, and the care they show in protecting belongings and homes. Many mention seamless booking, reliable quote accuracy, and respectful treatment, even in physically demanding moves.
Compared to other moving companies, This Side Up receives more consistent five-star input. Some negative feedback centers on property damage, poor complaint resolution, and lost items. Delays in claims handling and unaddressed damages frustrate the small minority of dissatisfied customers. One neutral review noted confusion and a truck mismatch, resulting in minor damages and unexpected charges. The company stands out for delivering a professional and respectful experience, but could improve by enhancing how it handles claims and follows up after reported issues.
Show more
Get a Quote (256) 653-7612

Company Info

State license #: 3959

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 1874024


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/ApplewhiteMovers/, https://twitter.com/applewhitemover?lang=en
87% of all reviews were positive
10% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—most customers describe Applewhite Movers LLC as prompt, polite, and highly efficient. Out of 140 reviews analyzed, 87% were positive. Clients often highlight the professionalism, careful handling of belongings, impressive speed, and helpful movers who communicate well.
Many noted a stress-free experience and appreciated the team’s respectfulness and reliability, which set Applewhite apart from typical moving services in the region. Negative feedback mostly relates to property damage, delayed schedules, and unprofessional attitude during some moves, with a few reports of mishandling and poor claim resolution. Compared to other companies, Applewhite consistently delivers better communication and more diligent movers, though some improvements in damage claims and staff consistency could further strengthen their reputation.
Show more
Get a Quote (256) 430-1198

Company Info

State license #: 4119

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2172780


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Home-Mover/Black-Tie-Moving-Huntsville-109310730603344/, https://twitter.com/blacktiemoving?lang=en
97% of all reviews were positive
3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers describe Black Tie Moving as exceptionally professional, careful with belongings, fast, and reliable. Out of 226 feedback samples, 96.5% express positive experiences. Reviewers consistently highlight the team’s respectful approach, excellent communication, and swift, efficient moves with no damage to items or homes.
Many say the staff showed up on time, handled furniture with protection, and followed through on commitments—qualities that often set Black Tie apart from typical moving firms. While most input is glowing, a handful of reviewers faced issues, mostly around poor packing, unexpected extra costs, and some instances of damage or mishandling. Compared with others, Black Tie earns high marks for its professionalism and care, though a few customers encountered significant lapses in packing detail or billing clarity.
Show more
Get a Quote (256) 755-4836

Company Info

State license #: 4111

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 2407712


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Huntsville to Philadelphia?

Huntsville movers charge $65 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,426 - $4,801 $862 - $2,030 $664 - $1,289
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,742 - $6,936 $1,598 - $3,121 $717 - $1,400
4+ bedrooms $4,503 - $9,212 $2,083 - $4,037 $924 - $1,841
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 836 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Alabama to Pennsylvania

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,426 and $4,801. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to PA will range from $2,742 to $6,936, and a large move from Alabama to Pennsylvania will cost from $4,503 to $9,212.

Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Pennsylvania

If you're relocating from Alabama to Pennsylvania, you'll typically spend between $862 and $2,030 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,598 up to $3,121. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,083 and $4,037. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Alabama.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Pennsylvania

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $664 and $1,289. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $717 and $1,400. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $924 and $1,841.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors influencing moving costs from Huntsville to Philadelphiatoggle

The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Huntsville to Philadelphia might cost as little as $1,426, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,754.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Huntsville, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $664 to $1,654 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Huntsville to Philadelphia

Expect higher day-to-day spending in Philadelphia than in Huntsville — roughly 19% more for singles and 50% more for families.

Monthly basics come to $2,541 for singles and $6,190 for families in Philadelphia, versus $3,133 and $4,140 in Huntsville.

See the detailed comparison below to budget accordingly:

Huntsville Philadelphia
Average 1 BR rent $1,358 $1,791
Average 3 BR rent $2,400 $3,116
Average home value $266,736 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $60,959 $70,746
Unemployment rate 3.1% 10.6%
Sales tax 9.0% 8.0%
State income tax 5.0% 3.07%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Philadelphia, since prices are typically 20% higher than in Huntsville.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Philadelphia are 18.7% lower than in Huntsville.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Philadelphia, where incomes are, on average, 16.1% higher than in Huntsville. Major employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 18.9% lower than in Huntsville.
  • If you're moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 49.5% higher than in Huntsville.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 241.94% higher than in Huntsville.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 11.11% lower than in Huntsville.
  • One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 38.60% lower than in Huntsville.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Huntsville and Philadelphia:

Huntsville Philadelphia
Basic utilities $180 $269.29
Cell phone plan $50.56 $61.4
Dozen eggs $4.26 $4.3
Loaf of bread $3.33 $4.15
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16.5 $20
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $62.5 $90
Gym membership $44 $48.67
  • Basic utilities cost less in Huntsville than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.
  • Bread costs less in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Huntsville than in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Huntsville vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Huntsville
Population 1,603,797 241,114
Transportation Score 9 2
Walkability score 75 24
Bike friendliness score 67 40
Crime Index 66.09 42.55
Safety Index 33.91 57.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 565% greater than Huntsville, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Huntsville, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 2 in Huntsville. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Philadelphia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Huntsville. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Huntsville, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 24 out of 100 in Huntsville. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia is considered more bike-friendly than Huntsville in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Huntsville is rated as 40 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than in Huntsville, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 42.55 in Huntsville. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia ranks lower in overall safety than Huntsville, whose index is 57.45. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Philadelphia and Huntsville is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Huntsville vs. Philadelphia move

  • Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
  • Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Philadelphia

Now that you've decided to make the move to Philly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cedar Park
  • Fishtown
  • Manayunk
  • Point Breeze
  • Washington Square West

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bella Vista
  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase

Things to do in Philadelphia

After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Philadelphia?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Huntsville to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Huntsville. are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Philadelphia?

Because most people are moving from Huntsville to Philadelphia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Huntsville to Philadelphia take?

Moving from Huntsville, AL to Philadelphia, PA covers 836 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some Huntsville movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.

Are there special savings available from movers in Huntsville?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Huntsville?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Huntsville, 7 movers can manage piano relocations. 3 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Alabama has 33 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2175 and 1400 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.

Helpful moving resources