($1,520+) Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA Movers
The cost to move from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA ranges from $1,301 to $11,427, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,520 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,674 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Ontario to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,301 - $11,427 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 56% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,674 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,674-mile route from Ontario to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,301 - $5,528 | $1,761 - $3,526 | $1,535 - $2,861 | $1,667 - $3,334 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,635 - $7,454 | $2,354 - $5,208 | $1,599 - $3,473 | $1,826 - $3,806 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,980 - $11,427 | $3,476 - $6,616 | $1,940 - $4,096 | $2,622 - $5,292 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers for the 2,674-mile relocation from Ontario, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,301 and $11,427. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $339 - $2,260, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Ontario typically charge a base rate around $248 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ontario to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,301 - $5,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,635 - $7,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,980 - $11,427
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Ontario to Philadelphia.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Ontario movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $565 - $5,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $226 - $1,356/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $339 - $2,712 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,130 - $3,390 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,825 - $11,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $846 - $1,608 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $1,130 - $2,825 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $904 - $3,955 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $339 - $1,695 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $735 - $2,260 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $339 - $16,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $339 - $3,955+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ontario to Philadelphia?
Look for Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Pennsylvania beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Ontario, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Ontario, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,761 and $6,616. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Ontario costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ontario to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,761 - $3,526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,354 - $5,208
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,476 - $6,616
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Ontario, CA and Philadelphia, PA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $791 in Ontario, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $85 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $170 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,761. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,354 - $5,208.
What are the best moving containers Ontario to Philadelphia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Ontario to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Ontario:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Truck rentals from Ontario, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, range from $1,535 - $4,096 for the 2,674-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $961 - $1,099
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Ontario daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Ontario to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,535 - $2,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,599 - $3,473
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $4,096
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,535 - $4,096 when pricing out a rental truck from Ontario to Philadelphia. Fuel alone runs $961 - $1,099, and overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $170 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $73 and $367 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $961 - $1,099 in fuel for the 2,674-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $791 in Ontario, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ontario to Philadelphia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA
For larger DIY moves from Ontario, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,826 and $3,806.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ontario to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,667 - $3,334
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,826 - $3,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,622 - $5,292
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Ontario, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $791.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $85 and $170 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Ontario to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Ontario to Philadelphia. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Ontario, CA vs Philadelphia, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with Ontario on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Ontario, CA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 104 |
| Average rent | $2,619/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $564,076 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $82,806/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 49.75/100 | 33.91/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Ontario, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Pennsylvania, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,674-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Ontario, CA, to Philadelphia, PA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,301 - $11,427 on the 2,674-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,761 - $6,616 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,535 - $4,096 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,635 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Ontario, CA, to Philadelphia, PA
What is the cheapest way to move from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,599 - $3,473. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($961 - $1,099), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $170/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Ontario, CA to Philadelphia, PA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Ontario movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ontario handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.