($324+) Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $324 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,973 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 339 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $930, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,973 or more.
- Moving containers run $864 - $2,675, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $324 - $830.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,442 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 Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Rochester to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,442 - $4,257 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 20% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 76% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 339-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 339-mile route from Rochester to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $930 - $3,239 | $864 - $1,530 | $324 - $621 | $746 - $1,419 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,442 - $4,257 | $1,150 - $2,105 | $345 - $679 | $938 - $1,701 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,192 - $5,973 | $1,446 - $2,675 | $446 - $830 | $1,193 - $2,205 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers for the 339-mile relocation from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $930 and $5,973. 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 $285 - $1,900, 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 Rochester typically charge a base rate around $294 plus $216 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $930 - $3,239
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,442 - $4,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,192 - $5,973
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 Rochester to Philadelphia.
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 Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 71% of Rochester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $475 - $4,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $190 - $1,140/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $285 - $2,280 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $950 - $2,850 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,375 - $9,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $712 - $1,352 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items18% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Corrigan Moving Systems | $950 - $2,375 |
| Piano | Any piano type29% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $760 - $3,325 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $285 - $1,425 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Interior Moving Services Inc | $618 - $1,900 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $285 - $14,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $285 - $3,325+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Rochester to Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Rochester, NY?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Rochester to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,514 - $4,469. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Rochester, NY 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.
Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Rochester, ranked #7 in New York, based on our analysis of feedback from 801 customers, 85.6% of which is positive.
Address: 268 N Union St, BLDG 10, Rochester, NY, 14605 | Founded: 2003
Moving container costs from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $864 and $2,675. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Philadelphia. If you go over that window, storage in Rochester adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $864 - $1,530
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,150 - $2,105
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,446 - $2,675
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Rochester, NY, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $665, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $71 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $143 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Rochester, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $864. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,150 - $2,105.
What are the best moving containers Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester:
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Joe's Moving Co. (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Truck rentals from Rochester, New York, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, range from $324 - $830 for the 339-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $102 - $117
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Rochester 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 Rochester to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $324 - $621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $345 - $679
- 4+ bedrooms: $446 - $830
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $324 - $830 does not include fuel ($102 - $117), lodging ($143/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Rochester to Philadelphia typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $143 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Rochester, New York, usually costs about $665 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 339-mile drive falls between $102 and $117, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $285 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Rochester 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 Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Rochester, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $938 and $1,701.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Rochester to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $746 - $1,419
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $938 - $1,701
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,205
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $71 and $143.
- 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 Rochester, New York, for roughly five hours typically average $665.
What are the best freight companies from Rochester to Philadelphia?
- 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.
- 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.
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: Rochester, NY 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 Rochester on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Rochester, NY | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 89 | 104 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $120,492 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $46,628/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.9% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 61/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 36.66/100 | 33.91/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Rochester, NY guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New York to Pennsylvania in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 469 movers based in New York, handy for sizing up options on this 339-mile route.
Our take
A move from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $930 - $5,973 on the 339-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $864 - $2,675, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $324 - $830. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,442 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Rochester, NY, to Philadelphia, PA
How much does it cost to move from Rochester, NY to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $324 to $5,973, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $930 and $5,973, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Rochester?
Local movers based in Rochester typically start around $294 as a base rate, plus $216/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Philadelphia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia?
For families, Bella Vista, Bustleton, and Chestnut Hill are worth a look in Philadelphia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cedar Park, Fishtown, and Manayunk tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Rochester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 29% of movers in Rochester handle piano moves, and 18% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.