$1,679 Movers from California to Philadelphia, PA

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from California to Philadelphia, PA averages from $2,112 to $10,062 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Philadelphia, PA.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Movers Cost: Philadelphia, PA to California guide.

• Best California to Philadelphia, PA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from California to Philadelphia, PA.
• How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• California to Philadelphia, PA car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 2,836 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from California to Philadelphia, PA?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,836 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.

The cost to move from California to Philadelphia, PA will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best California to Philadelphia, PA Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best customer service International Van Lines rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 24/7 cust. service Competitive rates 15% discounts Get A Quote (855) 929-4120 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves Air Van northAmerican Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Philadelphia, PA?

To ship furniture from California to Philadelphia with a mover will cost between $1,679 to $7,081. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Philadelphia to PA will range from $5,011 to $10,062, and a large move from California to Philadelphia will cost from $9,430 to $15,593.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving pods from California to Philadelphia will cost you $1,777 to $4,429 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,151 to $6,588. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,349 to $8,990.

How much is a moving truck from California to Philadelphia, PA?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,950 to $3,782. A larger move will cost $2,112 to $4,503, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Philadelphia costs from $2,670 to $5,528.

Is moving from California to Philadelphia, PA a good idea?

Cost of Living: California vs Philadelphia, PA

• Rent is about 7% less expensive in Philadelphia than in California.
• Home prices are about 70.0% lower in Philadelphia than in California.
• The average income is about 17.3% lower in Philadelphia than in California.
• Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 89.7%.
• Income taxes are 76.92% lower in Philadelphia than in California.

How is life different in Philadelphia from California?

• The population of Philadelphia is approximately 96% lower than the population of California.
• In the last presidential election, Philadelphia voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
• The average high in the summertime in Philadelphia is 87ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
• During the coldest part of the year, Philadelphia reaches the temperature of 26ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
• You can expect about 47 inches of annual rainfall in Philadelphia vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
• In Philadelphia, it snows about 13 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
• Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 39.3 vs 25.7.

Considerations for moving to Philadelphia, PA

• 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
• Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
• 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 on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Pennsylvania. Get started here.
• Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Meathead Movers	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 (559) 785-0316
Courtesy Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	3515 North Sabre Drive, Fresno, CA, 93727 (559) 402-3800
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA, 94568 (925) 905-9889

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Philadelphia mover?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Bellhop Moving	Get A Quote	4.52 overall rating	230 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19102 (215) 309-9775
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.8 overall rating	1450 S Warfield Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19146 (267) 606-4210
EverSafe Moving Co.	Get A Quote	4.72 overall rating	8701 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19136 (215) 821-8547

Visit our Best Movers in Philadelphia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Philadelphia?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Philadelphia.

Museums in Philadelphia

• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Barnes
• Museum of the American Revolution
• The Franklin Institute
• Rodin Museum
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• Please Touch Museum
• National Constitution Center
• Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
• Penn Museum
• Mutter Museum
• Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
• Betsy Ross House
• Benjamin Franklin Museum

Parks in Philadelphia

• Wissahickon Valley Park
• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Fairmount Park
• Love Park
• Penn's Landing
• Franklin Square
• Washington Square
• Dilworth Park
• Pennypack Park
• FDR Park
• Sister Cities Park
• Cira Green
• Board Game Art Park
• Horticulture Center - Fairmount Park
• Smith Memorial Park

Sports Teams in Philadelphia

• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
• Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
• Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Universities in Philadelphia

• The University of Pennsylvania
• Temple University
• Drexel University
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Temple University School of Medicine
• Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Where to move to in Philadelphia, PA?

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

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
• Roxborough

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Philadelphia, PA

• What Is The Cost To Move In Philadelphia?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Pennsylvania?
• Who’s Moving Into and Out of Philadelphia?
• Philadelphia Neighborhood Guide
• 40 Lesser-Known Things To Do In Philadelphia
• What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA?
• Is Moving to Philadelphia Worth It?
• Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania