($457+) Philadelphia, PA to Cincinnati, OH Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Cincinnati, OH, runs anywhere from $457 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,427 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 572 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,252, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,427 or more.
- Moving containers run $960 - $3,046, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $457 - $1,111.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Cincinnati, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,072 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 Cincinnati, OH
Moving options from Philadelphia to Cincinnati 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 $2,072 - $5,201 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 76% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 572 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 572-mile route from Philadelphia to Cincinnati, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,252 - $3,794, container $960 - $1,814, rental truck $457 - $816, freight trailer $864 - $1,491.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,072 - $5,201, container $1,181 - $2,290, rental truck $488 - $969, freight trailer $1,045 - $2,006.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,652 - $7,427, container $1,707 - $3,046, rental truck $585 - $1,111, freight trailer $1,340 - $2,561.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Cincinnati, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 572-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Cincinnati, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,252 - $7,427. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $293 - $1,952. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Philadelphia and Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,252 - $3,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,072 - $5,201
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,652 - $7,427
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 Cincinnati.
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 Cincinnati, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Cincinnati, 66% 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: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $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: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $976 - $2,440 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $781 - $3,416 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $293 - $1,464 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $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 Cincinnati?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Philadelphia, PA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Cincinnati, OH
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Cincinnati, Ohio, cost between $960 and $3,046. 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 Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $960 - $1,814
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,181 - $2,290
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,707 - $3,046
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 $683, 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 $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and Cincinnati, OH, 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 Ohio 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 $960. 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 $1,181 - $2,290.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
- 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 Cincinnati, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 572 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Cincinnati, Ohio, running $457 - $1,111. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $178 - $203
- 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 Cincinnati based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $457 - $816
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $488 - $969
- 4+ bedrooms: $585 - $1,111
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $457 - $1,111 when pricing out a rental truck from Philadelphia to Cincinnati. Fuel alone runs $178 - $203, 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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $178 - $203 for the 572-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours typically costs around $683.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 572-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $293 - $439 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $293.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
- 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 Cincinnati, OH
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 Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 $1,045 and $2,006.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $864 - $1,491
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,045 - $2,006
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,561
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?
- 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 $683.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $73 and $146 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Cincinnati quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Cincinnati, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Cincinnati, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $213,219 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $51,707/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 49.53/100 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Pennsylvania to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 235 movers in Pennsylvania, so you have real options to compare for this 572-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 572-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Cincinnati, OH, run $1,252 - $7,427 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $960 - $3,046, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $457 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,072, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cincinnati tend to point to ample economic opportunity and low cost of living, though unpredictable weather and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Kroger and First Student.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Cincinnati, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Cincinnati, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Cincinnati a safe place to live?
Cincinnati has a safety index of 49.53 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.47, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Cincinnati, OH?
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 $488 - $969. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.