($645+) Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Columbus, GA, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $693 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,319 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 885 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,262, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,319 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,192 - $4,012, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $693 - $1,852.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, GA, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,800 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Columbus to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,800 - $6,626 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 885 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 885-mile route from Columbus to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,262 - $5,341 | $1,192 - $2,276 | $693 - $1,334 | $1,187 - $2,130 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,800 - $6,626 | $1,630 - $3,064 | $710 - $1,493 | $1,304 - $2,630 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,464 - $9,319 | $2,127 - $4,012 | $882 - $1,852 | $1,650 - $3,210 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 885-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with prices running from $2,262 - $9,319. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $265 - $1,768 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Columbus and Philadelphia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Columbus movers tend to run around $315 as a base rate plus $140/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,262 - $5,341
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,800 - $6,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,464 - $9,319
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 Columbus to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Add-ons and specialty services from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Columbus to Philadelphia) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $884 - $2,652 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,210 - $8,840 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $662 - $1,258 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $575 - $1,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $265 - $13,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $265 - $3,094+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Philadelphia | $269/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Philadelphia | $73/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Philadelphia | $61/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Philadelphia?
All three below meet the standards set by the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, the group most Pennsylvania movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, GA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Columbus, Georgia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,192 and $4,012. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,192 - $2,276
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,630 - $3,064
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 - $4,012
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $619 in Columbus, GA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Philadelphia, PA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia 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 $1,192. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,630 - $3,064, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Philadelphia?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.1/5), 19 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- JIT Movers Inc. (4.1/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck for this 885-mile move from Columbus, Georgia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $693 and $1,852. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $249 - $284
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $693 - $1,334
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $710 - $1,493
- 4+ bedrooms: $882 - $1,852
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $693 - $1,852 does not include fuel ($249 - $284) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Philadelphia typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $309.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $249 and $284 for the 885-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $619 for 2 movers in Columbus, Georgia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Philadelphia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Columbus, Georgia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,304 and $2,630.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $2,130
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,304 - $2,630
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,650 - $3,210
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Columbus, Georgia, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $619.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $66 and $133 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus 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.
- Collins Trucking Co (4.26/5 stars): Collins Trucking Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Columbus to Philadelphia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Columbus, GA 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, GA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 78 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,100/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $179,307 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $56,622/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 25/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 27.82/100 | 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 Columbus, GA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 507 real quotes from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA, 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. Georgia alone has 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 885-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Columbus, GA, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,262 for a studio to $9,319 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 885-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,192 - $4,012. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $693 - $1,852, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,800 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, GA, to Philadelphia, PA
What are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia?
For families, Bella Vista, Bustleton, and Chestnut Hill are worth a look in Philadelphia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cedar Park, Fishtown, and Manayunk tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
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.
What do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $315 as a base rate, plus $140/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Philadelphia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, GA to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,262 to $9,319, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,262 and $9,319, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
