St. Louis, MO to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Louis to Philadelphia typically costs $2,700–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 885 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from St. Louis to Philadelphia
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $2,700–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 885-mile move from St. Louis to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,425 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,237 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $921 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Louis to Philadelphia move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in St. Louis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $1,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to St. Louis, MO guide.
Best St. Louis to Philadelphia movers by type
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Best professional movers from St. Louis to Philadelphia
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from St. Louis to Philadelphia much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
How we chose the best MO→PA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 57 Missouri movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- 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%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Philadelphia
Many movers find Philadelphia easier on the wallet than St. Louis - roughly 2% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,541 for one person in Philadelphia versus $2,589 in St. Louis. For a family of four, it's $6,190 compared with $6,573.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Louis | Philadelphia | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,573 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 3.07% |
- Planning a move to Philadelphia? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 36% higher than in St. Louis, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Philadelphia are about 27% higher than those in St. Louis.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 7% higher in Philadelphia compared to St. Louis, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Philadelphia and St. Louis is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- 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 6% less than what it costs in St. Louis.
- Philadelphia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds St. Louis by around 68%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 17% less in Philadelphia relative to St. Louis. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 36% below those in Missouri. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between St. Louis and Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | St. Louis | Philadelphia |
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| Basic utilities | $269.29 | |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | |
| Gym membership | $48.67 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Philadelphia
| St. Louis | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 67 |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 30.35 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 447% greater than St. Louis.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than St. Louis's score of 8.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than St. Louis with a score of 75 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia and St. Louis have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 69.65, respectively.
- Philadelphia is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 33.91 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in St. Louis it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'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: 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Planning your move to Philly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 St. Louis to Philadelphia?
Planning your move from St. Louis to Philadelphia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Philadelphia?
Because most people are moving from St. Louis to Philadelphia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from St. Louis to Philadelphia take?
The 885-mile journey from St. Louis, MO to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in St. Louis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.
Are there special savings available from movers in St. Louis?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in St. Louis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Louis, 9 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Missouri has 37 piano movers and 22 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.