($92+) Philadelphia, PA to New York City, NY Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Philadelphia, PA to NYC

Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to NYC, runs anywhere from $92 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,572 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 94 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 $536, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,572 or more.
  • Moving containers run $598 - $1,680, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $92 - $171.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to NYC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $959 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 NYC

Moving options from Philadelphia to NYC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $959 - $3,081 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 20% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 89% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 94 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 94-mile route from Philadelphia to NYC, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $536 - $2,339 $598 - $1,073 $92 - $137 $0 - $0
2 - 3 bedrooms $959 - $3,081 $763 - $1,505 $102 - $158 $0 - $0
4+ bedrooms $1,320 - $3,572 $1,046 - $1,680 $122 - $171 $0 - $0

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to NYC

Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to NYC, New York, costs between $536 and $3,572. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 94-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $394 - $2,624, 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 NYC. 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 NYC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $536 - $2,339
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $3,081
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,320 - $3,572

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 NYC.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to New York. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to NYC

Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In New York City, 62% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing72% of local movers$656 - $6,560
Storage in transitNew place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage$262 - $1,574/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$394 - $3,149
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers$1,312 - $3,936
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,280 - $13,120
Car shippingSecond vehicle$983 - $1,867
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage$1,312 - $3,280
PianoAny piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage$1,050 - $4,592
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers$394 - $1,968
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc.$853 - $2,624
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$394 - $19,680+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$394 - $4,592+

What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to NYC?

New York State Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in New York, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 NYC with a local mover averages $997 - $3,204. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.

Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.

Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% of which is positive.

Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020

Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to NYC

Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to NYC, New York, cost between $598 and $1,680. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to NYC. If you go over that window, storage in Philadelphia adds around $80/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to NYC:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $598 - $1,073
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $763 - $1,505
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,046 - $1,680

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Philadelphia, PA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $918, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $98 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $197 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and NYC, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to New York 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 $598. 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 $763 - $1,505.

What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to NYC?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 NYC

Plan on $92 - $171 for a rental moving truck on the 94-mile route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to NYC, New York. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $39 - $45
  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to NYC based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $92 - $137
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $102 - $158
  • 4+ bedrooms: $122 - $171

Pro tip: The base rate of $92 - $171 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Philadelphia to NYC. Fuel ($39 - $45), lodging at around $197/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.

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 $98 and $459.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $197.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $39 and $45 for the 94-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 $918 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 NYC?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 NYC

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to NYC, New York. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $0 and $0.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to NYC:

  • 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?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $918.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $98 and $197 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to NYC?

  1. 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.
  2. 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in NYC 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 NYC

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in NYC, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Philadelphia, PA NYC
Cost of living index104172
Average rent$1,695/mo$4,340/mo
Median home value$231,098$732,100
Average income$60,698/yr$127,894/yr
Unemployment rate10.6%11.2%
State income taxUp to 3.07%Up to 10.9%
Walkability score75/10088/100
Safety index33.91/10049.17/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to New York over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 267 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 94-mile move.

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Our take

The 94-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to NYC, costs between $536 and $3,572 with full-service movers, $598 - $1,680 with a moving container, and $92 - $171 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 $959 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to NYC tend to point to ample economic opportunity and diverse cuisine, though overcrowded and pollution come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include IBM and PepsiCo.

FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to NYC, NY

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 NYC run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to NYC take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What are the best neighborhoods in NYC?

For families, Battery Park City, Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, and Great Kills, Staten Island are worth a look in NYC. If you're moving solo or without kids, Astoria, Queens, Lower East Side, Manhattan, and Murray Hill, Manhattan tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to NYC?

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 $102 - $158. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is NYC a safe place to live?

NYC has a safety index of 49.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.83, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

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.