$1,357 Movers From San Francisco to Philadelphia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Philadelphia, PA averages from $1,757 to $8,044 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco guide.

Moving from San Francisco to Philadelphia resources

Moving 2,874 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?

San Francisco movers charge $150 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 $1,357 - $5,839 $1,564 - $3,563 $1,638 - $3,241
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,428 - $8,044 $2,561 - $5,799 $1,757 - $3,783
4+ bedrooms $8,014 - $13,382 $3,535 - $7,237 $2,131 - $4,691
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,874 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco to Philadelphia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Philadelphia will cost between $1,357 to $5,839. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,428 to $8,044, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Francisco to Philadelphia will cost from $8,014 to $13,382.

How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Philadelphia?

Moving containers from San Francisco to Philadelphia will cost you $1,564 to $3,563 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,561 to $5,799. A larger home will cost $3,535 to $7,237.

How much is a moving truck from San Francisco 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 $1,638 to $3,241. A larger move will cost $1,757 to $3,783, and a four-bedroom move from San Francisco to Philadelphia costs from $2,131 to $4,691. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best San Francisco to Philadelphia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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
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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
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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
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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
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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 San Francisco to Philadelphia

Cost of living: San Francisco vs Philadelphia

San Francisco Philadelphia
Average rent cost $3,220 $1,695
Average home value $1,234,246 $214,422
Average income (per capita) $126,187 $68,961
Cost of Living (single person) $3,840 $2,571
Cost of Living (family of 4) $8,998 $5,886
Unemployment rate 5.4% 10.6%
Sales Tax 8.63% 8.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 47% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Philadelphia are 82.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 45.4% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 33.0% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 34.6% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 96.30% higher than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 7.30% lower than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Philadelphia are 76.92% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,008.59 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How is life different in San Francisco compared to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia San Francisco
Population 1,603,797 808,437
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 10
Walkability score 75 99
Bike friendliness score 67 99
Crime Index 34.66 54.33
Safety Index 34.1 37.9
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Philadelphia's population is about 98% greater than San Francisco.
  • Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Philadelphia is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 75 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Philadelphia is less bike-friendly than San Francisco with a score of 67 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 34.66 compared to San Francisco's 54.33. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 34.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33%.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 34.1 vs San Francisco's 37.9.
  • Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

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 San Francisco movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
(415) 544-7000
Good Green Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA, 94103
(855) 613-4663

Visit our best long distance movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Philadelphia

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?

The best time to move from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Philadelphia?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco 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.

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