Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Wilmington to Philadelphia typically costs $700–$2,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 32 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Wilmington to Philadelphia
Moving from Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $700–$2,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 32-mile move from Wilmington to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $1,214 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,001 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $1,949 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Wilmington to Philadelphia
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Wilmington to Philadelphia might be as low as $400, while a four-bedroom could reach $3,600.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Wilmington.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $0 to $100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE guide.
Best Wilmington to Philadelphia movers by type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Wilmington to Philadelphia
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Wilmington to Philadelphia, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best DE→PA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 10 Delaware movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- 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.
What to know before moving from Wilmington to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Philadelphia runs about -28% higher for singles and 42% higher for families than Wilmington.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $3,533 in Wilmington; families pay $6,190 compared with $4,350.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Wilmington | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,933 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $307,799 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,354 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,533 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,350 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 6.6% | 3.07% |
- Good news! When moving to Philadelphia from Wilmington, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 6% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 30% cheaper in Philadelphia, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 43% higher in Philadelphia than in Wilmington, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Philadelphia. The cost of living for a single person is 28% less compared to Wilmington.
- As you plan your move to Philadelphia, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 42% more than it is in Wilmington.
- There's little difference in the unemployment rates of Philadelphia and Wilmington, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Philadelphia has a sales tax, while Wilmington does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 53% lower in Pennsylvania than in Delaware. 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 Wilmington and Philadelphia, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Wilmington | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $126.92 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.10 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.05 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.56 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.50 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Wilmington than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Wilmington vs. Philadelphia
| Wilmington | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 70,898 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 67 |
| Crime index | 67.32 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 32.68 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 2162% greater than Wilmington.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Wilmington's score of 6.
- Philadelphia and Wilmington are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Wilmington, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia and Wilmington have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 67.32, respectively.
- Philadelphia and Wilmington have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.91 and 32.68.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Wilmington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Philadelphia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Wilmington to Philadelphia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Wilmington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wilmington to Philadelphia?
With many people choosing to move from Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Philadelphia take?
Covering 32 miles, the move from Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA typically takes to days. Some Wilmington movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Philadelphia can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Wilmington offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Wilmington offer AAA member savings. 3 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Wilmington can handle specialty items for my move to Philadelphia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Wilmington, 49 movers can handle pianos. 39 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of DE, there are 8 piano movers and 4 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
