Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to Wilmington typically costs $700–$2,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 32 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Philadelphia to Wilmington
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE typically costs $700–$2,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 32-mile move from Philadelphia to Wilmington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- PODS recently quoted $1,583 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $77 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $1,089 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 25, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 17, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Philadelphia to Wilmington
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Philadelphia to Wilmington might be as low as $400, while a four-bedroom could reach $3,400.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Philadelphia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $0 to $100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Wilmington, DE to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Best Philadelphia to Wilmington movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Philadelphia to Wilmington
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Philadelphia to Wilmington, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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
Best overall value
How we chose the best PA→DE movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Wilmington runs about 39% higher for singles and -30% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Wilmington versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $4,350 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 6.6% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 7% higher in Wilmington than in Philadelphia, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 42% higher in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 30% lower in Wilmington than in Philadelphia.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Wilmington, as the cost of living for a single person in Wilmington is 39% greater than in Philadelphia. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Wilmington could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 30% lower than in Philadelphia.
- There's little difference in the unemployment rates of Wilmington and Philadelphia, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Philadelphia. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 115% higher in Delaware than in Pennsylvania. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Philadelphia and Wilmington, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Wilmington
| Philadelphia | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 52 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Wilmington's population is about 96% less than Philadelphia.
- Wilmington's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
- Wilmington and Philadelphia are similarly walkable.
- Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Wilmington and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate with scores of 67.32 and 66.09, respectively.
- Wilmington and Philadelphia have a similar safety level, with scores of 32.68 and 33.91.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Delaware moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Delaware, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Wilmington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Wilmington
Ready to relocate to Chemical Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
Now that you've made the move to Delaware, it's the perfect time to explore Wilmington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Wilmington include museums and art centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Philadelphia to Wilmington. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
With many people choosing to move from Philadelphia to Wilmington in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Wilmington take?
Covering 32 miles, the move from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE typically takes to days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Wilmington can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Philadelphia offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in Philadelphia offer AAA member savings. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Philadelphia can handle specialty items for my move to Wilmington?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can handle pianos. 41 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of PA, there are 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
