Quick answer: A move from Modesto to Philadelphia costs $2,159–$9,790 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,860-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to Modesto guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Modesto to Philadelphia
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Modesto to Philadelphia can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to PA move
The best local movers servicing Modesto to Philadelphia moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Modesto that offers long-distance services to Philadelphia can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Modesto who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Modesto to Philadelphia.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Pete's Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Pack it up Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management, Dawson Van & Storage, United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC, Pete's Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC, J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191672
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3054559
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
Modesto movers charge $128 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 | $1,702 - $6,960 | $1,740 - $4,694 | $1,874 - $3,789 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $5,028 - $9,790 | $3,052 - $6,319 | $2,159 - $4,785 |
4+ bedrooms | $9,079 - $15,644 | $4,258 - $9,533 | $2,648 - $5,817 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Pennsylvania
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Pennsylvania, you can expect to spend between $1,702 and $6,960. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $5,028 to $9,790 on the same route (CA to PA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to Pennsylvania typically runs between $9,079 and $15,644.
Cost of moving containers from California to Pennsylvania
When you're heading from California to Pennsylvania, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,740 and $4,694. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,052 and $6,319. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,258 to $9,533. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Pennsylvania
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,874 and $3,789 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,159 to $4,785. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,648 to $5,817.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Philadelphia
What to know before moving from Modesto to Philadelphia
Moving from Modesto to Philadelphia comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Philadelphia is generally more expensive than Modesto, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Modesto | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,800 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $442,362 | $216,914 |
Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $70,746 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $2,541 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $6,190 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 6% lower than in Modesto, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 51.0% lower than in Modesto. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Philadelphia, where incomes are, on average, 5.6% higher than in Modesto. Major employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Philadelphia, since the cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 9.9% higher than in Modesto. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- 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 4.1% higher than in Modesto.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 32.50% higher than in Modesto.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 9.91% lower than in Modesto.
- One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in Modesto.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,297.15 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Modesto.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Philadelphia
Philadelphia | Modesto | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,603,797 | 218,464 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 75 | 48 |
Bike friendliness score | 67 | 48 |
Crime Index | 66.09 | 65.76 |
Safety Index | 33.91 | 34.24 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Philadelphia's population is about 634% greater than Modesto.
- Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Modesto's lower score of 5.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Modesto with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Modesto's 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia and Modesto have a similar crime rate.
- Philadelphia and Modesto are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Modesto it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Pennsylvania doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Philadelphia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you've chosen Philly as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
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: Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Modesto to Philadelphia. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Philadelphia moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Philadelphia take?
Covering 2,860 miles, the move from Modesto, CA to Philadelphia, PA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Modesto movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Philadelphia can help bridge the gap.