Key factors that impact the cost of your Lansing to Philadelphia movetoggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lansing to Philadelphia (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,453, while larger moves may reach $8,194 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Lansing.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $573 to $1,466, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lansing to Philadelphia

Moving from Lansing to Philadelphia comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Philadelphia is generally more expensive than Lansing, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lansing Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,129 $1,695
Average home value $148,542 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $64,729 $70,746
Cost of living (single person) $1,595 $2,541
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,199 $6,190
Unemployment rate 7.4% 10.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.25% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 50% higher than in Lansing, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Philadelphia are 46.0% higher than in Lansing.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 9.3% higher than in Lansing, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Philadelphia, since the cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 59.3% higher than in Lansing. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Philadelphia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 47.4% higher than in Lansing.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 43.24% higher than in Lansing.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Philadelphia are 33.33% higher than in Lansing.
  • One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.76% lower than in Lansing.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,779.31 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lansing.

How life is different in Lansing vs. Philadelphia

Philadelphia Lansing
Population 1,603,797 112,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 75 46
Bike friendliness score 67 55
Crime Index 66.09 48.66
Safety Index 33.91 51.34
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Philadelphia is about 1,324% greater than Lansing, 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 Lansing, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Lansing. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Philadelphia means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lansing. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Lansing, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Lansing. A cityโ€™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 Lansing 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 Lansing is rated as 55 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than in Lansing, 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 48.66 in Lansing. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Philadelphia. With a crime index of 33.91, Philadelphia ranks lower in overall safety than Lansing, whose index is Lansing's 51.34. 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.
  • The air quality in Philadelphia and Lansing is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Lansing 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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 PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™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 check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Philadelphia. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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

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

  • Bustleton
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase
  • Roxborough

Things to do in Philadelphia

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Philadelphia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lansing to Philadelphia?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lansing to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lansing are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Philadelphia?

With many people choosing to move from Lansing 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 Lansing to Philadelphia take?

Moving from Lansing, MI to Philadelphia, PA covers 649 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Lansing movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources