Top local movers for Modesto to Philadelphia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Modesto that also provides long-distance services to Philadelphia can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 14 local movers in Modesto who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Modesto to Philadelphia.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 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 #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,291 – $5,389 | $1,432 – $3,393 | $1,575 – $3,025 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,015 – $7,900 | $2,413 – $5,311 | $1,724 – $3,746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,177 – $13,115 | $3,297 – $6,962 | $2,178 – $4,598 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Philadelphia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Modesto to Philadelphia typically costs between $1,291 and $5,389. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,015 and $7,900 when moving from Modesto to Philadelphia. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Modesto to Philadelphia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,177 up to $13,115.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Philadelphia
If you’re relocating from Modesto to Philadelphia, you’ll typically spend between $1,432 and $3,393 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,413 up to $5,311. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,297 and $6,962. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Philadelphia
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Modesto to Philadelphia move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,575 and $3,025. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,724 to $3,746. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,178 and $4,598.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Modesto to Philadelphia
The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Modesto to Philadelphia might be as low as $2,714, while a four-bedroom could reach $12,013.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Modesto.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,575 to $4,153 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about 10% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Modesto.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Modesto versus $2,312 in Modesto; families pay $6,190 compared with $5,946.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Modesto | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Good news! When moving to Philadelphia from Modesto, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 6% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 51% cheaper in Philadelphia, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 6% higher in Philadelphia than in Modesto, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Philadelphia, as the cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 10% greater than in Modesto. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Philadelphia and Modesto, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia exceeds that of Modesto by about 32%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Philadelphia than Modesto, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 77% lower in Pennsylvania than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Modesto and Philadelphia, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Modesto than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Philadelphia
| Modesto | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 67 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 634% greater than Modesto.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Modesto’s 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 it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia and Modesto have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 65.76, respectively.
- Philadelphia and Modesto have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.91 and 34.24.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to Philly? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Philadelphia
Now that you’ve made the move to Pennsylvania, it’s the perfect time to explore Philadelphia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Philadelphia include museums and art centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Modesto to Philadelphia. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Philadelphia?
With many people choosing to move from Modesto to Philadelphia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Modesto to Philadelphia take?
Covering 2,860 miles, the move from Modesto, CA to Philadelphia, 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.
How many movers in Modesto can handle specialty items for my move to Philadelphia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Modesto, 10 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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