($737+) Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Kansas City, MO, runs anywhere from $737 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,296 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,125 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,029, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,296 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,264 - $3,975, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $737 - $1,952.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Kansas City, MO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,549 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO
Moving options from Philadelphia to Kansas City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,549 - $5,613 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,125-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,125-mile route from Philadelphia to Kansas City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,029 - $4,748 | $1,264 - $2,338 | $737 - $1,335 | $1,040 - $2,045 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,549 - $5,613 | $1,596 - $3,070 | $757 - $1,538 | $1,252 - $2,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,401 - $8,296 | $2,117 - $3,975 | $971 - $1,952 | $1,760 - $3,180 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City, Missouri, costs between $2,029 and $8,296. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,125-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $293 - $1,952, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Kansas City. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,029 - $4,748
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,549 - $5,613
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,401 - $8,296
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 Kansas City.
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 Kansas City, MO
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Kansas City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $488 - $4,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $195 - $1,171/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,342 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $976 - $2,928 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,440 - $9,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $731 - $1,389 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $976 - $2,440 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $781 - $3,416 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $293 - $1,464 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc. | $634 - $1,952 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,416+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Kansas City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Philadelphia, PA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City, Missouri, cost between $1,264 and $3,975. 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 Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,264 - $2,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,596 - $3,070
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 - $3,975
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $683 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Kansas City, MO, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Missouri 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 $1,264. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,596 - $3,070.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Kansas City?
- 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:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Kansas City, MO
Renting a moving truck for the 1,125-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City, Missouri, costs between $737 and $1,952, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $349 - $399
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Kansas City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $737 - $1,335
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $757 - $1,538
- 4+ bedrooms: $971 - $1,952
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $737 - $1,952 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Kansas City. Fuel alone runs $349 - $399, and overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $683 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,125-mile drive falls between $349 and $399, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $293 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Kansas City?
- 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 Kansas City, MO
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Kansas City, Missouri. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $878 and $2,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Kansas City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $2,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,252 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,760 - $3,180
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $683.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Kansas City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Kansas City, MO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Kansas City, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,300/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $223,324 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $67,449/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 4.8% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 42.6/100 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Missouri, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Pennsylvania alone has 267 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,125-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,125-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Kansas City, MO, run $2,029 - $8,296 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,264 - $3,975, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $737 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,549, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Kansas City tend to point to ample economic opportunity and delicious barbecue, though tornadoes and extreme weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Public School System and Federal Government.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Kansas City, MO
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Kansas City run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Missouri?
Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.
What are the best neighborhoods in Kansas City?
For families, Armour Hills, Brookside, and Sunset Hill are worth a look in Kansas City. If you're moving solo or without kids, River Market, Union Hill, and Volker tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Kansas City?
Kansas City has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, 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 35% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.