Highly rated local moving companies for Raleigh to Philadelphia moves
Organizing a move from Raleigh to Philadelphia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 28 local movers in Raleigh known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Raleigh to Philadelphia.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2934
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2548
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2657
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3205320
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2311
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1267633
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3619230
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Philadelphia?
On average, moving companies in North Carolina charge about $145 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $932 – $2,892 | $664 – $1,547 | $343 – $637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,711 – $4,778 | $1,168 – $2,216 | $396 – $786 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,788 – $6,567 | $1,503 – $2,831 | $482 – $962 |
Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Philadelphia
When planning a move to Philadelphia from Raleigh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $932 and $2,892. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,711 and $4,778 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,788 to $6,567.
Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Philadelphia
When you’re heading from Raleigh to Philadelphia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $664 and $1,547. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,168 and $2,216. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,503 to $2,831. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Philadelphia
A moving rental truck from Raleigh to Philadelphia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $343 to $637. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $396 to $786, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Raleigh to Philadelphia costs around $482 to $962.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Raleigh to Philadelphia
The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Raleigh to Philadelphia may only cost $1,371, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,795.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Raleigh.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($343–$868), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Raleigh to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about -58% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Raleigh.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Raleigh versus $6,077 in Raleigh; families pay $6,190 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Raleigh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,820 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $431,795 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $2,572 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,077 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 3.07% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Philadelphia from Raleigh with rent being about the same in each state.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 50% cheaper in Philadelphia than in Raleigh.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 2651% greater in Philadelphia than in Raleigh, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Philadelphia. The cost of living for a single person there is 58% below that of Raleigh.
- The cost of living for a family between Philadelphia and Raleigh remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than Raleigh by about 147%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia surpass those in Raleigh by 10%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 32% less in Pennsylvania compared to North Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Raleigh versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Raleigh | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $190.88 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $64.40 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.12 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.18 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Raleigh than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Raleigh vs. Philadelphia
| Raleigh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 67 |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 60.13 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 243% greater than Raleigh.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 66.09 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 33.91 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Raleigh and Philadelphia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- 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 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Philadelphia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Raleigh to Philadelphia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Raleigh to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Raleigh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from Raleigh to Philadelphia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Raleigh to Philadelphia take?
The 418-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Philadelphia, , takes one to four days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.
What kinds of discounts do Raleigh movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Raleigh?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 20 movers in Raleigh provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Raleigh moving services
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