$518 Movers from New York City to Philadelphia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA averages from $117 to $3,164 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring a full-service New York City moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Philadelphia, PA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to New York City guide.

Moving From New York City to Philadelphia

Moving 97 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best New York City to Philadelphia Moving Companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from New York City to Philadelphia is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from New York City to Philadelphia?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $518 - $2,248 $471 - $1,186 $109 - $165
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,066 - $3,164 $933 - $1,715 $117 - $195
4+ bedrooms $1,482 - $3,929 $1,204 - $2,076 $137 - $209
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 97 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from New York City to Philadelphia will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from New York City to Philadelphia?

To ship furniture from New York City to Philadelphia with a mover will cost between $518 to $2,248. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $1,066 to $3,164, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from New York City to Philadelphia will cost from $1,482 to $3,929.

How much are moving container companies from New York City to Philadelphia?

Moving containers from New York City to Philadelphia will cost you $471 to $1,186 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $933 to $1,715. A larger home will cost $1,204 to $2,076.

How much is a moving truck from New York City to Philadelphia?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $109 to $165. A larger move will cost $117 to $195, and a 4+ bedroom move from New York City to Philadelphia costs from $137 to $209.

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living: New York City vs Philadelphia

New York City Philadelphia
Average rent cost $3,367 $1,400
Average home value $746,354 $227,569
Average income (per capita) $71,983 $65,077
Cost of Living (single person) $1,364 $1,068
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,009 $3,813
Unemployment rate 11.2% 11.0%
Sales Tax 8.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 10.9% 3.07%
  • Rent Prices in Philadelphia, PA are 58% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Home Prices in Philadelphia, PA are 69.5% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Income in Philadelphia, PA is 9.6% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Philadelphia, PA is 21.7% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Philadelphia, PA is 23.9% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Unemployment rate in Philadelphia, PA is 1.79% lower than in New York City, NY.
  • Sales Taxes are the same in Philadelphia, PA and New York City, NY.
  • State Income Taxes in Philadelphia, PA are 71.83% lower than in New York City, NY.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,349.0 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How is life different in New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA?

Philadelphia New York City
Population 1,603,797 8,804,190
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 10
Walkability score 75 88
Bike friendliness score 67 69
Crime Index 39.3 25.8
Safety Index 37.1 52.42
Air Quality Good Good
  • Philadelphia’s population is about 82% less than New York City.
  • Philadelphia’s public transportation is better than New York City with a score of 9 vs 10.
  • Philadelphia is less walkable than New York City with a score of 75 vs 88.
  • Philadelphia is less bike-friendly than New York City with a score of 67 vs 69.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 39.3 compared to 25.8.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 37.1 vs 52.42.
  • Air Quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in New York City it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Philadelphia, PA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Philadelphia. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local New York City Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
100 Bowne Street, New York, NY, 11231
(718) 907-1830
Seka Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
48 Wall St #1100, New York, NY, 10005
(203) 583-8333

Visit our Best Movers in New York City page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Philadelphia, PA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Philly", these are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to move to.

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

What to do in Philadelphia

Moving to The “Philly”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Pennsylvania home.

  • Independence National Historical Park
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Please Touch Museum
  • Betsy Ross House
  • Franklin Square
  • Center City Shopping and LOVE Park
  • UPenn (The University of Pennsylvania)
  • South Street
  • Philadelphia Magic Gardens
  • Philadelphia Sports Tailgate
  • Italian Market
  • Chinatown
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest
  • Barnes Foundation
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park
  • The Franklin Institute
  • Breweries
  • Cheesesteaks
  • Mutter Museum
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Wissahickon
  • Frankford Ave/Fishtown

Get your sports on!

Philadelphia is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)

FAQs about moving from New York City to Philadelphia

When is the best time to move from New York City to Philadelphia?

The best time to move from New York City to Philadelphia is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 87ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Philadelphia?

Because most people are moving from New York City to Philadelphia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Philadelphia