($273+) Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Albany, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $285 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,211 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 233 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 $880, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,211 or more.
- Moving containers run $875 - $2,619, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $285 - $713.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albany, NY, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,370 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 Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Albany to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,370 - $3,978 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 233 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 233-mile route from Albany to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $880 - $3,384 | $875 - $1,488 | $285 - $498 | $811 - $1,380 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,370 - $3,978 | $1,106 - $2,144 | $283 - $578 | $884 - $1,666 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,800 - $5,211 | $1,498 - $2,619 | $357 - $713 | $1,175 - $2,013 |
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 Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Hiring full-service movers from Albany, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $880 and $5,211. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 233-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $303 - $2,020, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Albany and Philadelphia. For a rough baseline, movers based in Albany tend to start around $295 plus $115/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Albany to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $880 - $3,384
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,370 - $3,978
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,800 - $5,211
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 Albany to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Albany 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 packing88% of local movers | $505 - $5,050 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mabey's Moving & Storage | $202 - $1,212/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $303 - $2,424 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,010 - $3,030 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,525 - $10,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $756 - $1,437 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $1,010 - $2,525 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Don's Moving & Storage | $808 - $3,535 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling25% of local movers | $303 - $1,515 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoff Moving & Storage | $657 - $2,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $303 - $15,150+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $303 - $3,535+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albany 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 Albany, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Albany to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,424 - $4,137. A local mover in Albany, NY is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Clark Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Albany, based on our analysis of feedback from 81 customers, 81.5% of which is positive.
Address: 198 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY, 12303 | Founded: 1993
Moving container costs from Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Albany, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $875 and $2,619. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Albany typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albany to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $875 - $1,488
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,144
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,498 - $2,619
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $707 in Albany, NY. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Philadelphia, PA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New York 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 $875. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,106 - $2,144, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Albany 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 Albany 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 Albany:
- Don's Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 76 years in business
- Five College Movers (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- Your Hometown Mover (5.0/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albany, NY to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck for this 233-mile move from Albany, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $285 and $713. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $75 - $86
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Albany daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Albany to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $285 - $498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $283 - $578
- 4+ bedrooms: $357 - $713
Pro tip: A rental truck from Albany to Philadelphia looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $285 - $713. But once you factor in fuel ($75 - $86) , overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $75 - $86 for the 233-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Albany, New York, for about 5 hours typically costs around $707.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 233-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $303 - $455 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $303.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albany 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 Albany, NY 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 Albany, New York, 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 $884 and $1,666.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albany to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $811 - $1,380
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $884 - $1,666
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,175 - $2,013
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $76 - $152 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Albany, New York, typically costs $707.
What are the best freight companies from Albany to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Warren W Fane, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Warren W Fane, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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: Albany, NY vs Philadelphia, PA
Good news for your budget: Philadelphia isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Albany. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 99 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 65/100 and 49.65/100 here versus 75/100 and 33.91/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Albany, NY guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 147 movers licensed in New York, useful context for sizing up this 233-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Albany, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $880 for a studio to $5,211 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 233-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $875 - $2,619. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $285 - $713, 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 $1,370 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 Albany, NY, to Philadelphia, PA
Is Philadelphia a safe place to live?
Philadelphia has a safety index of 33.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.09, compared to 49.65 and 10.0 in Albany. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Albany, NY 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($75 - $86), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $152/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Albany movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albany handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
