Highly rated local moving companies for New York City to Philadelphia moves
Organizing a move from New York City 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 165 local movers in New York City 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 New York City to Philadelphia.
- NYC Great Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Imperial Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Alpha Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 39493
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2180117
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 32647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1422485
Alternate Names: Lion’s Den Enterprises Inc. , Imperial Self Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2047066
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 2047066
Alternate Names: Alpha Movers , Alpha Relocation Services , Alpha Transportation, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from New York City to Philadelphia?
On average, moving companies in New York charge about 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 | $419 – $1,934 | $414 – $1,061 | $93 – $144 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $917 – $2,776 | $770 – $1,505 | $103 – $168 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,288 – $3,381 | $974 – $1,839 | $115 – $173 |
Cost to hire movers from New York City to Philadelphia
When planning a move to Philadelphia from New York City, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $419 and $1,934. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $917 and $2,776 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,288 to $3,381.
Cost of moving containers from New York City to Philadelphia
When you’re heading from New York City to Philadelphia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $414 and $1,061. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $770 and $1,505. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $974 to $1,839. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New York easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York City to Philadelphia
A moving rental truck from New York City 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 $93 to $144. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $103 to $168, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from New York City to Philadelphia costs around $115 to $173.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from New York City to Philadelphia
The cost of New York City movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from New York City to Philadelphia may only cost $638, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $2,906.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in New York City.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($93–$174), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from New York City to Philadelphia
Many movers find Philadelphia easier on the wallet than New York City – roughly 55% less for singles and 59% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,541 for one person in Philadelphia versus $5,683 in New York City. For a family of four, it’s $6,190 compared with $15,081.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New York City | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,992 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $8,817 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,683 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $15,081 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 61% less expensive in Philadelphia than in New York City, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 71% cheaper in Philadelphia than in New York City.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 9% less in Philadelphia than in New York City.
- 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 55% below that of New York City.
- A move to Philadelphia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 59% lower compared to New York City.
- Philadelphia and New York City have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Philadelphia and New York City (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 72% less in Pennsylvania compared to New York, 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 New York City versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | New York City | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $186.67 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.90 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.33 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.04 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $28.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $159.00 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in New York City than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in New York City than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in New York City than in Philadelphia.
- Bread is more expensive in New York City than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New York City than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New York City than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships cost more in New York City than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in New York City vs. Philadelphia
| New York City | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 67 |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 49.17 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 81% less than New York City.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is lower than New York City’s score of 10.
- Philadelphia is less walkable than New York City with a score of 75 out of 100 vs New York City’s 88 out of 100.
- Both Philadelphia and New York City have similar bike-friendliness scores (69 vs 67), meaning Philadelphia is about as safe for cyclists as New York City. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 66.09 compared to New York City’s 50.83. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 33.91 vs New York City’s 49.17.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in New York City it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your New York City to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Costs across New York City 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 New York City to Philadelphia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from New York City to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in New York City.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from New York City 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 New York City to Philadelphia take?
The 94-mile move from New York City, NY, to Philadelphia, , takes one to two days. Some New York City 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 New York City movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In New York City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 movers offer special pricing for military members. 9 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 New York City?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 146 movers in New York City provide piano moving services. 117 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 115 piano movers and 82 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.
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