Philadelphia, PA to Jacksonville, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best PA→FL movers

Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.

Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Jacksonville

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jacksonville runs about 6% higher for singles and 7% higher for families than Philadelphia.

Singles spend around $2,696 in Jacksonville versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $6,605 compared with $6,190.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Philadelphia	Jacksonville
Average 1 BR rent	$1,791	$1,596
Average 3 BR rent	$3,116	$2,680
Average home value	$216,914	$287,628
Average income (per capita)	$70,746	$64,138
Cost of living (single)	$2,541	$2,696
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,190	$6,605
Unemployment rate	10.6%	4.9%
Sales tax	8.0%	7.5%
State income tax	3.07%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 10% lower in Jacksonville than in Philadelphia, giving you more disposable income monthly.
Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 33% higher in Jacksonville than in Philadelphia.
It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 9% less in Jacksonville than in Philadelphia.
Plan for higher expenses in Jacksonville, since the cost of living for a single person is 6% more than in Philadelphia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
If your journey leads to Jacksonville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 7% more than it is in Philadelphia.
Jacksonville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 54% lower than that of Philadelphia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
Sales taxes are 6% lower in Jacksonville than in Philadelphia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Jacksonville can reduce your overall living expenses.
Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Philadelphia with Jacksonville:

Living Expense	Philadelphia	Jacksonville
Basic utilities	$269.29	$188.34
Cell phone plan	$61.40	$42.92
Dozen eggs	$4.30	$4.52
Loaf of bread	$4.15	$3.82
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90.00	$86.50
Gym membership	$48.67	$38.68

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.
Eggs are less expensive in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.
Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.
The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.
Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Jacksonville.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Jacksonville

	Philadelphia	Jacksonville
Population	1,603,797	971,319
Transportation score	9	4
Walkability score	75	26
Bike friendliness score	67	41
Crime index	66.09	56.38
Safety index	33.91	43.62
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jacksonville's population is about 39% less than Philadelphia.
Jacksonville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia's score of 9.
Jacksonville is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
Jacksonville has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
Jacksonville's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 56.38 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 43.62 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Jacksonville move

HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: While Florida doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Jacksonville smoothly. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Jacksonville

Now that you've chosen Jax as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Riverside
Brooklyn
Baymeadows
Secret Cove
South Riverside
Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

Beacon Hills & Harbour
Deercreek
Oceanway
Orange Park
Ortega Forest
Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it's time to see what Jacksonville is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Jacksonville offers cultural landmarks like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Jacksonville?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia to Jacksonville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Philadelphia to Jacksonville take?

A move of 850 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Jacksonville, FL generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Philadelphia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Jacksonville is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in Philadelphia?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Philadelphia, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in Philadelphia offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 53 movers in Philadelphia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 41 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across PA, there are 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.