($934+) Philadelphia, PA to Austin, TX Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $934 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,536 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,662 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,205, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,536 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,413 - $5,085, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $934 - $2,799.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,790 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 Austin, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Austin: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,790 - $6,312. Containers cost roughly 33% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,662 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,662-mile route from Philadelphia to Austin, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,205 for a studio up to $9,536 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,413 - $5,085 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $934 - $2,799, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,310 - $4,189, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Austin, TX
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Austin, Texas, costs between $2,205 and $9,536. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,662-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $342 - $2,280, 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 Austin. 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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,205 - $4,740
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,790 - $6,312
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,040 - $9,536
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 Austin.
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 Austin, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $570 - $5,700 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $228 - $1,368/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $342 - $2,736 |
| 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 | $1,140 - $3,420 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,850 - $11,400 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $854 - $1,622 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $1,140 - $2,850 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Superior Moving & Storage | $912 - $3,990 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $342 - $1,710 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Payless Moving Inc. | $741 - $2,280 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $342 - $17,100+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $342 - $3,990+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Austin?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Philadelphia, PA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Austin, TX
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,413 and $5,085. 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 Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $2,606
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,862 - $3,908
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,388 - $5,085
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 $798 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 $86 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $171 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 Austin, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Texas 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 $1,413. 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 $1,862 - $3,908.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
Plan on $934 - $2,799 for a rental moving truck on the 1,662-mile route from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Austin, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $603 - $689
- Daily insurance: $34/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 Austin based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $934 - $1,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,010 - $2,311
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,312 - $2,799
Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Austin looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $934 - $2,799. But once you factor in fuel ($603 - $689), overnight lodging ($171/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $798.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $603 - $689 for the 1,662-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $68 and $371, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $171 per night for hotel stops on the 1,662-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $342 - $513.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Austin?
- 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 Austin, TX
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Austin, Texas. 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 $1,026 and $3,096.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Austin:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,310 - $2,539
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,400 - $3,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,051 - $4,189
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $171 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, typically costs $798.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Austin?
- 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: 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 Austin, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 129 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,765/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $512,969 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $91,461/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | None |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 42/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 59.87/100 |
| 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 Austin, TX 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 Texas, 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 1,662-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,662-mile route from Philadelphia, PA, to Austin, TX, run $2,205 - $9,536 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,413 - $5,085, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $934 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,790, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Austin, TX
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($603 - $689), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $171/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Austin?
Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Austin, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $934 to $9,536, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,205 and $9,536, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Austin, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 Austin 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 35% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.