$1,326 Movers From Lancaster to Philadelphia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Lancaster, CA to Philadelphia, PA averages from $1,593 to $8,251 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Lancaster moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Lancaster to Philadelphia resources

Moving 2,692 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Lancaster movers charge $100 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 $1,326 - $5,958 $1,430 - $3,667 $1,532 - $3,001
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,797 - $8,251 $2,665 - $5,346 $1,593 - $3,465
4+ bedrooms $7,443 - $13,032 $3,569 - $7,066 $2,098 - $4,252
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,692 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 Lancaster to Philadelphia will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lancaster, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Lancaster to Philadelphia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Lancaster to Philadelphia will cost between $1,326 to $5,958. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,797 to $8,251, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Lancaster to Philadelphia will cost from $7,443 to $13,032.

How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Philadelphia?

Moving containers from Lancaster to Philadelphia will cost you $1,430 to $3,667 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,665 to $5,346. A larger home will cost $3,569 to $7,066.

How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Philadelphia?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,532 to $3,001. A larger move will cost $1,593 to $3,465, and a four-bedroom move from Lancaster to Philadelphia costs from $2,098 to $4,252. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Lancaster to Philadelphia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Lancaster to Philadelphia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Lancaster to Philadelphia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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 are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Lancaster to Philadelphia

Cost of living: Lancaster vs Philadelphia

Lancaster Philadelphia
Average rent cost $2,637 $1,695
Average home value $449,181 $214,422
Average income (per capita) $73,027 $68,961
Cost of Living (single person) $2,506 $2,571
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,357 $5,886
Unemployment rate 15.6% 10.6%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 36% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Home prices in Philadelphia are 52.3% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 5.6% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 2.6% higher than in Lancaster.
  • The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 9.9% higher than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 32.05% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 21.95% lower than in Lancaster.
  • State income taxes in Philadelphia are 76.92% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,077.81 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How is life different in Lancaster compared to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia Lancaster
Population 1,603,797 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 0
Walkability score 75 29
Bike friendliness score 67 40
Crime Index 34.66 45.91
Safety Index 34.1 54.09
Air Quality Good Good
  • Philadelphia's population is about 824% greater than Lancaster.
  • Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Lancaster's higher score of 0.
  • Philadelphia is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
  • Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Lancaster with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 40.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is lower than Lancaster with a score of 34.66 compared to Lancaster's 45.91. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 34.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.91%.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 34.1 vs Lancaster's 54.09.
  • Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Lancaster it's good.

Considerations for moving to Philadelphia

  • 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.
  • 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 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.

Local Lancaster movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Speedwell Transportation Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
860 W. Avenue L8, Lancaster, CA, 93534
(661) 338-5998
Adolfo & Sons Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
3.96 overall rating
39355 Riverbend St, Palmdale, CA, 93551
(661) 449-9635

Visit our best long distance movers in Lancaster page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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
  • Roxborough

What to do in Philadelphia

These are some of the best things to do in your new Pennsylvania home.

  • Independence National Historical Park
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Please Touch Museum
  • Betsy Ross House
  • Franklin Square
  • Center City Shopping and LOVE Park
  • UPenn (The University of Pennsylvania)
  • South Street
  • Philadelphia Magic Gardens
  • Philadelphia Sports Tailgate
  • Italian Market
  • Chinatown
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest
  • Barnes Foundation
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park
  • The Franklin Institute
  • Breweries
  • Cheesesteaks
  • Mutter Museum
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Wissahickon
  • Frankford Ave/Fishtown

Get your sports on!

Philadelphia is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)

FAQs about moving from Lancaster to Philadelphia

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

The best time to move from Lancaster to Philadelphia is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 87ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF in Philadelphia.

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

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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Philadelphia