($90+) Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Newark, NJ, runs anywhere from $86 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,739 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 85 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $532, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,739 or more.
- Moving containers run $553 - $1,841, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $86 - $167.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Newark, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,028 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 Newark, NJ
Moving options from Philadelphia to Newark 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 $1,028 - $3,178 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 85 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 85-mile route from Philadelphia to Newark, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $532 - $2,419 | $553 - $1,050 | $86 - $137 | $0 - $0 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,028 - $3,178 | $789 - $1,495 | $100 - $163 | $0 - $0 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,420 - $3,739 | $1,059 - $1,841 | $112 - $167 | $0 - $0 |
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 Newark, NJ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 85-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, with costs ranging from $532 - $3,739. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $349 - $2,328. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Philadelphia and Newark. Local movers in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $532 - $2,419
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,028 - $3,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,420 - $3,739
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 Newark.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Newark, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $582 - $5,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $233 - $1,397/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $349 - $2,794 |
| 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 | $1,164 - $3,492 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,910 - $11,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $872 - $1,656 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $1,164 - $2,910 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $931 - $4,074 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $349 - $1,746 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $757 - $2,328 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $349 - $17,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $349 - $4,074+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Newark?
New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New Jersey, 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.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Newark with a local mover averages $1,048 - $3,241. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Philadelphia, PA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.44/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 278 customers, 97.8% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, cost between $553 and $1,841. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Philadelphia runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $553 - $1,050
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $789 - $1,495
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,059 - $1,841
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Philadelphia, PA and Newark, NJ. 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 $815 in Philadelphia, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $87 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $175 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 New Jersey 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 $553. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $789 - $1,495, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Newark?
- 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 Newark, NJ
Renting a moving truck for the 85-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Newark, New Jersey, costs between $86 and $167, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $31 - $36
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Newark based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $86 - $137
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $100 - $163
- 4+ bedrooms: $112 - $167
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $86 - $167 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Newark. Fuel alone runs ($31 - $36) , and overnight lodging ($175/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $175 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $76 and $378 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $31 - $36 in fuel for the 85-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $815 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Newark?
- 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 Newark, NJ
If you're moving a larger household from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Newark, New Jersey.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $87 and $175.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly five hours typically average $815.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Newark?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Newark 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 Newark, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Newark, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 135 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $335,418 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $48,416/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 13.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 76/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 24.76/100 |
| 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 Newark, NJ to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 106 movers based in Pennsylvania, handy for sizing up options on this 85-mile route.
Our take
The 85-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Newark, NJ, costs between $532 and $3,739 with full-service movers, $553 - $1,841 with a moving container, and $86 - $167 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 $1,028 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 Panasonic Corporation of North America and Prudential Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Newark, NJ
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($31 - $36), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $175/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $100 - $163. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Newark, NJ?
Costs on this route range from around $532 to $3,739, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $532 and $3,739, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 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 Newark run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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.