Quick answer: A typical 2,907-mile move from San Jose to Philadelphia runs $2,235–$10,393 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to San Jose guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from San Jose to Philadelphia

Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from San Jose to Philadelphia isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.

No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to PA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local moving companies servicing San Jose to Philadelphia moves

When planning a move from San Jose to Philadelphia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?

We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in San Jose who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from San Jose to Philadelphia.

  1. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Vector Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Lunardi Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/allreasonsmoving/,
91% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word of mouth meets reliability at All Reasons Moving & Storage. Out of 306 customer inputs, 90.5% were favorable, underscoring exceptional service. Clients repeatedly cite the team's professionalism, careful handling, quick and efficient moves, positive staff attitudes, and reliable communication as stand-out features.
Customers appreciate on-time arrivals, accuracy in cost estimates, and meticulous treatment of their property—qualities that set the company above most competitors. Negative feedback accounts for 8.2% of responses, mainly describing damaged items, surprise fees, or rare poor staff interactions. Most concerns focus on breakage during moves or storage and disputes about extra charges. Neutral comments, at 1.3%, describe higher-than-expected costs or minor miscommunication but rarely mention major setbacks. All Reasons earns strong trust for its emphasis on permanent, well-trained crews rather than temporary day labor—a rare trait. Compared to typical moving companies, customer input shows they provide a notably stress-free moving experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 240-0244

Company Info

State license #: 0189789

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 70719

Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/vectormoving/, https://twitter.com/MovingVector
85% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves, careful teams, and upbeat attitudes define the feedback for Vector Moving and Storage, based on 71 customer submissions. A strong 84.5% of clients praised their efficient work, respectfulness, and how gently possessions were handled. Customers frequently mentioned quick process times, professional approach, and feeling highly confident in their choice, noting the staff’s courtesy and attention to property.
Despite many stress-free experiences, 15.5% of feedback flagged recurring problems: broken items during transit, delays, larger-than-promised bills, and unresolved complaints were cited as major setbacks. While most moving companies struggle to match Vector’s ratio of glowing to problematic feedback, issues like damage, surprise add-ons, or timing should be weighed against their reputation for speed and professionalism.
Show more
Get a Quote (844) 468-6683

Company Info

State license #: 0191802

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3152229


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/LunardiMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/lunardimovers
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: Out of 544 customer feedback entries, 94.7% praised Lunardi Moving for efficiency, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful staff. Customers repeatedly highlighted attentive and polite crews, swift moving, and careful handling of items. Some reviewers described consistent experiences across multiple moves, including delicate items and complex jobs.
A small number of clients, about 3.5%, cited higher-than-expected bills, unexpected fees, or occasional item damage. Neutral feedback often referenced additional charges or less-than-perfect estimates, despite generally satisfactory service. Compared to other moving companies, Lunardi stands out with strong service consistency and attentive staff, though clarity in quoting could be improved to match industry leaders on price transparency.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 849-9630

Company Info

State license #: 0190625

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2762936


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/ninjamoversbayarea/, https://twitter.com/ninjamovers
80% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Ninja Movers’ speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings—80% of 500 reviews were positive. Crews consistently arrive on time, work efficiently, carefully wrap furniture, and provide helpful, polite service, making moving easier and less stressful than with other companies. Many mention clear communication from booking to completion, and several note rates are competitive.
Some feedback highlights standout customer support when issues happen. On the downside, complaints focus on items damaged during handling, surprise charges compared to initial quotes, and delivery delays. Compared to similar moving companies, Ninja Movers earns top marks for efficient operations and courteous staff, but may fall short for those expecting flawless results, zero damages, or strictly guaranteed pricing. Most customer input strongly recommends them for local and long-distance moves, but suggests carefully reviewing estimates and policies for extra peace of mind.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

Company Info

State license #: 0191848

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2967361

Alternate Names: Ninja Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

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

San Jose movers charge $119 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 $1,786 - $7,315 $1,777 - $4,388 $2,024 - $3,772
2 - 3 bedrooms $5,074 - $10,393 $3,279 - $6,462 $2,235 - $4,537
4+ bedrooms $9,838 - $16,588 $4,308 - $9,285 $2,772 - $5,854
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,907 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.

Cost to hire movers from California to Pennsylvania

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,786 and $7,315. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to PA will range from $5,074 to $10,393, and a large move from California to Pennsylvania will cost from $9,838 to $16,588.

Cost of moving containers from California to Pennsylvania

If you're moving from California to Pennsylvania, expect to pay between $1,777 and $4,388 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,279 up to $6,462. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,308 and $9,285. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Pennsylvania

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $2,024 and $3,772. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $2,235 and $4,537. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $2,772 up to $5,854 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from San Jose to Philadelphiatoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Jose to Philadelphia can be as low as $1,786 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $15,192.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $2,024 to $5,030. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Philadelphia

Moving from San Jose to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Jose compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Jose Philadelphia
Average rent cost $3,095 $1,695
Average home value $1,453,657 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $6,190
Unemployment rate 6.6% 10.6%
Sales tax 9.38% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 45% lower than in San Jose, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Philadelphia are 85.1% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 15.2% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia — including Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 30.8% lower than in San Jose.
  • A move to Philadelphia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 25.9% less than what it costs in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 60.61% higher than in San Jose.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 14.71% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,074.85 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How life is different in San Jose vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia San Jose
Population 1,603,797 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 7
Walkability score 75 51
Bike friendliness score 67 62
Crime Index 66.09 47.73
Safety Index 33.91 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 65% greater than San Jose, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than San Jose, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 7 in San Jose. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Philadelphia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in San Jose. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than San Jose, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in San Jose. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia is considered more bike-friendly than San Jose in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while San Jose is rated as 62 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than in San Jose, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 66.09 in Philadelphia, it is 47.73 in San Jose. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia ranks lower in overall safety than San Jose, whose index is 52.27. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Philadelphia has better air quality than in San Jose. Philadelphia has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Jose. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your San Jose 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company's license by visiting 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Philadelphia Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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
  • 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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Philadelphia, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 San Jose to Philadelphia?

The best time to move from San Jose to Philadelphia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Philadelphia?

With many people choosing to move from San Jose 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 San Jose to Philadelphia take?

The 2,907-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Philadelphia, PA, takes seven to 21 days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources