Top-rated local movers that handle San Francisco to Philadelphia moves
When planning a move from San Francisco to Philadelphia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 91 local movers in San Francisco who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Francisco to Philadelphia.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
Movers in California 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 | $1,359 – $5,786 | $1,361 – $3,569 | $1,638 – $2,874 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,055 – $8,464 | $2,639 – $5,048 | $1,774 – $3,638 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,328 – $12,741 | $3,609 – $7,105 | $2,093 – $4,421 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Philadelphia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Philadelphia, you can expect to spend between $1,359 and $5,786. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,055 to $8,464 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Francisco to Philadelphia typically runs between $7,328 and $12,741.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Philadelphia
When moving from San Francisco to Philadelphia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,361 and $3,569. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,639 to $5,048. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,609 up to $7,105. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Philadelphia
Renting a moving truck in San Francisco is usually your cheapest option to get to Philadelphia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,638 and $2,874. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,774 and $3,638. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,093 and $4,421.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from San Francisco to Philadelphia
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,686, but larger homes can run up to $11,320.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in San Francisco.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,638–$4,193) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Philadelphia
Many movers find Philadelphia easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 33% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,541 for one person in Philadelphia versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $6,190 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 48% lower in Philadelphia than in San Francisco, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 83% lower in Philadelphia than in San Francisco.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 48% less in Philadelphia than in San Francisco.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Philadelphia, where the cost of living for a single person is 33% less than in San Francisco.
- Moving to Philadelphia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 29% less than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 96% higher compared to San Francisco, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% lower in Philadelphia than in San Francisco. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Philadelphia can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 77% lower in Pennsylvania compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing San Francisco with Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Francisco than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Philadelphia
| San Francisco | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 67 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 98% greater than San Francisco.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s 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 has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than San Francisco with a score of 66.09 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 33.91 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Philadelphia smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, it’s time to see what Philadelphia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Philadelphia offers cultural landmarks like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 San Francisco to Philadelphia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Francisco are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
Because spring and fall moves from San Francisco to Philadelphia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Philadelphia take?
A move of 2,874 miles from San Francisco, CA to Philadelphia, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in San Francisco sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Philadelphia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in San Francisco?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in San Francisco offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 72 movers in San Francisco have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 64 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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