Portland, OR to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Philadelphia typically costs $4,900–$10,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,862 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Portland to Philadelphia
Moving from Portland, OR to Philadelphia, PA typically costs $4,900–$10,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,862-mile move from Portland to Philadelphia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,505 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $3,855 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,970 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Portland to Philadelphia move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $15,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Portland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,700 to $4,900, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to Portland, OR guide.
Best Portland to Philadelphia movers by type
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Best professional movers from Portland to Philadelphia
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Portland to Philadelphia much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best OR→PA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 36 Oregon movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Philadelphia
Overall, Portland and Philadelphia land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,541 in Philadelphia and $2,572 in Portland, while families in Philadelphia see $6,190 versus $6,077 in Portland.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Portland | Philadelphia | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 3.07% |
- Planning a move to Philadelphia? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 11% higher than in Portland, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 58% more affordable in Philadelphia compared to Portland.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 18% lower in Philadelphia compared to Portland.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Philadelphia and Portland is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Philadelphia and Portland, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Philadelphia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Portland by around 54%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Philadelphia has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 69% below those in Oregon. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Portland and Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Portland | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Portland than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Philadelphia.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Portland vs. Philadelphia
| Portland | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 67 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 146% greater than Portland.
- Philadelphia's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 8.
- Philadelphia is less walkable than Portland with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
- Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 66.09 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.91 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Philadelphia move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Philadelphia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Planning your move to Philly? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Portland to Philadelphia?
Planning your move from Portland to Philadelphia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Philadelphia?
Because most people are moving from Portland to Philadelphia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Portland to Philadelphia take?
The 2,862-mile journey from Portland, OR to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Portland offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Portland?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Portland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Portland, 15 movers can manage piano relocations. 9 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Oregon has 27 piano movers and 15 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.