($143+) Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $144 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,321 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 139 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $656, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,321 or more.
- Moving containers run $752 - $2,056, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $144 - $329.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,146 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 Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Washington DC to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,146 - $3,553 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 139 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 139-mile route from Washington DC to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $656 - $2,897 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($752 - $1,322), rental truck ($144 - $240), or freight trailer ($637 - $1,167). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,146 - $3,553 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $4,321.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 139-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with prices running from $656 - $4,321. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $397 - $2,644 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Washington DC and Philadelphia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Washington DC movers tend to run around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $656 - $2,897
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,146 - $3,553
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,662 - $4,321
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 Washington DC to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $661 - $6,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $264 - $1,586/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $397 - $3,173 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,322 - $3,966 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,305 - $13,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $990 - $1,881 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,322 - $3,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,058 - $4,627 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $397 - $1,983 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $859 - $2,644 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $397 - $19,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $397 - $4,627+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Philadelphia?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,168 - $3,624. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Washington DC, MD can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $752 and $2,056. 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 Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $752 - $1,322
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,192 - $2,056
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $925, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $99 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $198 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland 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 $752. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $985 - $1,679, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Philadelphia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck for this 139-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $144 and $329. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $67
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $144 - $240
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $150 - $271
- 4+ bedrooms: $195 - $329
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $144 - $329 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Fuel alone runs ($58 - $67) , and overnight lodging ($198/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $925.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $58 - $67 for the 139-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $79 and $430, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $198 per night for hotel stops on the 139-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $397 - $595.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Philadelphia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $788 and $1,426.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $637 - $1,167
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $788 - $1,426
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,032 - $1,612
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $925.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $99 - $198 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Philadelphia quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD 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 Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 104 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 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 Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Pennsylvania, 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. Maryland alone has 52 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 139-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Philadelphia, PA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $656 - $4,321 on the 139-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $752 - $2,056, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $144 - $329. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,146 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Philadelphia, PA
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $656 to $4,321, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $656 and $4,321, 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.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($58 - $67), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $198/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Philadelphia, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
