Moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, PA
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Quick answer: Moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia costs between $394 to $6,849 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 304-mile route within Pennsylvania take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Pittsburgh to driving and unloading in Philadelphia, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 304 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,810 - $5,365 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,390 - $2,519 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $420 - $800 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | South Hills Movers | $75/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
It costs between $394 to $6,849 to move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. The prices below break down your 304-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,106 - $6,849
- Moving containers: $1,027 - $3,227
- Rental trucks: $394 - $955
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,106 - $4,345 | $1,027 - $1,759 | $394 - $709 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,810 - $5,365 | $1,390 - $2,519 | $420 - $800 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,822 - $6,849 | $1,680 - $3,227 | $529 - $955 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $276 - $2,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $184 - $736 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $184 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
At 304 miles, your Pittsburgh to Philadelphia move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Pennsylvania, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 304 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Gardner Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. They've been in business since 1921 (105 years of experience) and 90.3% of their 145 verified reviews are positive.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia to Pittsburgh guide.
Considerations when moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia
Cost of living: Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
The cost of living in Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Philadelphia stacks up against Pittsburgh.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Pittsburgh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $225,618 | $231,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,187 | $60,698 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 13% higher than in Pittsburgh. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Since home prices in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are about the same, your housing expenses shouldn’t see much change. That means sticking to your budget will be a lot easier.
- Income is similar in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 19% higher than in Pittsburgh, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Philadelphia? Get ready for living expenses to be about 24% higher than in Pittsburgh. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Philadelphia is a pricier place for families.
- Unemployment in Philadelphia is 49% higher than in Pittsburgh. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- In Philadelphia, sales taxes are 14% higher than in Pittsburgh. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Pittsburgh, expect to budget around $3,570 to maintain the same lifestyle in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia
As you plan your move, comparing life in Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Pittsburgh | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 1,603,797 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 81-18 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 28" | 13" |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 66.09 |
Philadelphia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Philadelphia is about 429% larger than Pittsburgh. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are nearly identical, with averages around 87°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 21°F and 26°F.
- Philadelphia usually sees more rain than Pittsburgh, averaging 47 inches of annual rainfall, while Pittsburgh gets only 38 inches.
- On average, Pittsburgh receives more snowfall than Philadelphia, with 28 each year versus Philadelphia’s 13.
- Crime rates are higher in Philadelphia, with an index of 66.09, compared to Pittsburgh at 37.74.
Things to do in Philadelphia
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Philadelphia has something for everyone.
Museums in Philadelphia
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes
- Museum of the American Revolution
- The Franklin Institute
Parks in Philadelphia
- Wissahickon Valley Park
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Fairmount Park
- Love Park
- Penn's Landing
Sports teams in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Philadelphia
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Drexel University College of Medicine
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
Moving your furniture from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,045 to $3,640. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,810 and $5,365. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,822 to $6,849 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
If you’re moving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $767 to $1,780. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,390 and $2,519. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,680 to $3,227.
How much is a moving truck from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $390 and $682. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $420 to $800. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, rental prices generally fall between $529 and $955.
How far in advance should I book Pittsburgh-to-Philadelphia movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Pittsburgh-to-Philadelphia movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia?
If you want to save money on your move to Philadelphia, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
