($96+) New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving from NYC, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $93 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,478 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 94 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 $496, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,478 or more.
  • Moving containers run $679 - $1,818, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $93 - $199.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from NYC, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $982 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving options from NYC to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $982 - $2,743 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 94-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 94-mile route from NYC to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $496 - $2,445 $679 - $1,138 $93 - $148 $0 - $0
2 - 3 bedrooms $982 - $2,743 $800 - $1,471 $103 - $176 $0 - $0
4+ bedrooms $1,272 - $3,478 $1,141 - $1,818 $128 - $199 $0 - $0

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Full-service movers for the 94-mile relocation from NYC, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $496 and $3,478. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $434 - $2,896, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in NYC typically charge a base rate around $239 plus $110 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from NYC to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $496 - $2,445
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $982 - $2,743
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,272 - $3,478

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 NYC 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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of New York City 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 packingFull crew packing98% of local movers$724 - $7,240
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving $290 - $1,738/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$434 - $3,475
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers$1,448 - $4,344
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,620 - $14,480
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,085 - $2,061
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Great Movers$1,448 - $3,620
PianoAny piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving $1,158 - $5,068
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers$434 - $2,172
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Zeromax Moving and Storage$941 - $2,896
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$434 - $21,720+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$434 - $5,068+

What are the best full-service movers from NYC to Philadelphia?

Movers licensed to operate in Pennsylvania are typically members of the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

How much do local movers cost in NYC?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from NYC to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $991 - $2,770. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in NYC can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.

That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.

Roadway Moving (4.78/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in NYC, ranked #1 in New York, based on our analysis of feedback from 790 customers, 92.3% of which is positive.

Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232 | Founded: 2008

Moving container costs from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Moving containers from NYC, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $679 and $1,818. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in NYC costs roughly $190/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from NYC to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $679 - $1,138
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $800 - $1,471
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,141 - $1,818

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $109 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $217 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Philadelphia, PA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,014 in NYC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

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 $679. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $800 - $1,471, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers NYC to Philadelphia?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 NYC 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 NYC:

  • Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
  • Dumbo Moving and Storage (4.5/5), 19 years in business
  • Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Renting a moving truck for the 94-mile move from NYC, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $93 and $199, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $43 - $49
  • Daily insurance: $43/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
  • NYC daily rental rate: $19 - $50
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.99 - $2.29
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from NYC to Philadelphia based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $93 - $148
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $103 - $176
  • 4+ bedrooms: $128 - $199

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $93 - $199 does not include fuel ($43 - $49) , lodging ($217/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from NYC to Philadelphia typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $43 - $49 for the 94-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 NYC, New York, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,014.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 94-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $217 per night, adding $434 - $652 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $72 and $434.

What are the best moving truck rentals from NYC to Philadelphia?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 NYC to Philadelphia, PA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from NYC, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $0 and $0.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from NYC to Philadelphia:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
  • 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $109 and $217.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in NYC, New York, for roughly five hours typically average $1,014.

What are the best freight companies from NYC to Philadelphia?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.

Cost of living: NYC vs Philadelphia, PA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with NYC on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure NYC Philadelphia, PA
Cost of living index172104
Average rent$4,340/mo$1,695/mo
Median home value$732,100$231,098
Average income$127,894/yr$60,698/yr
Unemployment rate11.2%10.6%
State income taxUp to 10.9%Up to 3.07%
Walkability score88/10075/100
Safety index49.17/10033.91/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to New York City, NY guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from New York to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 147 movers in our New York network to compare for this 94-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 94-mile route from NYC, to Philadelphia, PA, run $496 - $3,478 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $679 - $1,818, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $93 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $982, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.

FAQs: Moving from NYC, NY, to Philadelphia, PA

How much does it cost to move from NYC to Philadelphia, PA?

Costs on this route range from around $496 to $3,478, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $496 and $3,478, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What is the cheapest way to move from NYC to Philadelphia, PA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $103 - $176. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($43 - $49), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $217/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from NYC to Philadelphia, PA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from NYC 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.

What percentage of NYC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 88% of movers in New York City handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.