($1,513+) Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,513 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,936 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,707 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,556, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,936 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,908 - $6,960, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,513 - $4,641.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,700 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Moving options from Philadelphia to Irvine fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,700 - $7,469 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,707 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,707-mile route from Philadelphia to Irvine, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,556 - $6,077 | $1,908 - $3,785 | $1,513 - $3,115 | $1,806 - $3,406 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,700 - $7,469 | $2,499 - $5,591 | $1,689 - $3,745 | $2,143 - $4,430 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,327 - $11,936 | $3,410 - $6,960 | $2,222 - $4,641 | $2,898 - $5,626 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,707-mile relocation from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irvine, California, cost between $2,556 and $11,936. 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 $385 - $2,568, 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 Philadelphia typically charge a base rate around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,556 - $6,077
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,700 - $7,469
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,327 - $11,936
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 Philadelphia to Irvine.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $642 - $6,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $257 - $1,541/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $385 - $3,082 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $1,284 - $3,852 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,210 - $12,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $962 - $1,827 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,284 - $3,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,027 - $4,494 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $385 - $1,926 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $835 - $2,568 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $385 - $19,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $385 - $4,494+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Irvine?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,908 and $6,960. 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 Philadelphia costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,908 - $3,785
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,499 - $5,591
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,410 - $6,960
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Philadelphia, PA and Irvine, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $899 in Philadelphia, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $96 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $193 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to California 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 $1,908. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,499 - $5,591, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Irvine?
- 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Truck rentals from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irvine, California, range from $1,513 - $4,641 for the 2,707-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,106 - $1,264
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $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 Philadelphia to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,513 - $3,115
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,689 - $3,745
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,222 - $4,641
Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Irvine looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,513 - $4,641. But once you factor in fuel ($1,106 - $1,264) , overnight lodging ($193/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $96 and $449.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $193.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,106 and $1,264 for the 2,707-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $899 for 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Irvine?
- 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 Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irvine, California, 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 $2,143 and $4,430.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,806 - $3,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,143 - $4,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,898 - $5,626
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $96 - $193 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $899.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Irvine fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 68.99/100 |
| 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 Irvine, CA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Pennsylvania to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 106 movers in Pennsylvania, so you have real options to compare for this 2,707-mile move.
Our take
The 2,707-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Irvine, CA, costs between $2,556 and $11,936 with full-service movers, $1,908 - $6,960 with a moving container, and $1,513 - $4,641 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,700 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Irvine, CA
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Irvine, CA?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,106 - $1,264), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $193/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Irvine?
Irvine has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.