Quick answer: A move from Philadelphia to Irvine costs $2,117–$9,568 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,706-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Irvine to Philadelphia guide.
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Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Philadelphia to Irvine
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Philadelphia to go to Irvine can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA move
Local moving companies servicing Philadelphia to Irvine moves
When planning a move from Philadelphia to Irvine, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Philadelphia who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Philadelphia to Irvine.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8916888
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2508433
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Irvine?
Philadelphia movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,647 - $6,324 | $1,802 - $4,143 | $1,843 - $3,498 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,879 - $9,568 | $2,982 - $6,479 | $2,117 - $4,556 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,742 - $15,259 | $4,324 - $9,003 | $2,522 - $5,112 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to California will cost between $1,647 and $6,324. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to CA will range from $4,879 to $9,568, and a large move from Pennsylvania to California will cost from $8,742 to $15,259.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California
When you're heading from Pennsylvania to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,802 and $4,143. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,982 and $6,479. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $4,324 to $9,003. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,843 and $3,498 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,117 to $4,556. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,522 to $5,112.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Irvine
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Irvine
Moving from Philadelphia to Irvine comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Irvine is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $4,000 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $1,561,760 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $114,027 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $9,167 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $18,000 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.4% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Irvine, since prices are typically 136% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The home prices in Irvine are 620.0% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Irvine, where incomes are, on average, 61.2% higher than in Philadelphia. Major employers in Irvine include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Taco Bell, and Alorica.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Irvine, since the cost of living for a single person in Irvine is 260.8% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Irvine, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Irvine is 190.8% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Irvine is 49.06% lower than in Philadelphia.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Irvine, since the city's sales taxes in Irvine are 3.13% lower than in Philadelphia.
- State income taxes in Irvine are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $10,822.90 in Irvine to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Irvine
Irvine | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 307,670 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 9 |
Walkability score | 43 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 69 | 67 |
Crime Index | 31.01 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 68.99 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Irvine might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 81% less than Philadelphia.
- Getting around Irvine without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Irvine has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Irvine neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Philadelphia. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Irvine isn't as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Irvine and Philadelphia are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 69 and 67 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Irvine has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia based on scores of 31.01 and Philadelphia's 66.09, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Irvine than in Philadelphia, based on Irvine's safety index of 68.99 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Irvine and Philadelphia is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Irvine move
- Weather: Winters are mild, with most winters having no frost, and can be hot and dry. Late summer and autumn are warm and mostly dry, with occasional bouts of humid weather
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Irvine without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Irvine
Ready to relocate to ? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Irvine.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Westpark
- Westpark II
- Oak Creek
- Woodbridge
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Westpark II
- Turtle Rock
- Woodbridge
- South Irvine
- Northwood Point
Things to do in Irvine
After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Irvine has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Irvine, such as the Pretend City Children's Museum, Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art, and Museum of Woman.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Orange County Great Park, Adventure Playground, William R. Mason Regional Park, and Turtle Rock Community Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an UC Irvine Anteaters (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Tennis, Track & Field, Volleyball, Water Polo), Adult Basketball Leagues, Adult Soccer Leagues, or Adult Softball Leagues game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Irvine?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Irvine are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Philadelphia. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Irvine?
Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Irvine 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 Philadelphia to Irvine take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA covers 2,706 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Irvine.