Top-rated local movers that handle Philadelphia to Houston moves
When planning a move from Philadelphia to Houston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 68 local movers in Philadelphia who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Philadelphia to Houston.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Houston?
Movers in Pennsylvania charge $143 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,127 – $4,494 | $983 – $2,517 | $957 – $1,712 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,917 – $6,737 | $1,720 – $3,421 | $937 – $2,183 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,989 – $8,894 | $2,511 – $4,763 | $1,217 – $2,617 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Houston
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,127 and $4,494. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,917 to $6,737 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Philadelphia to Houston typically runs between $4,989 and $8,894.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Houston
When moving from Philadelphia to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $983 and $2,517. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,720 to $3,421. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,511 up to $4,763. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Houston
Renting a moving truck in Philadelphia is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $957 and $1,712. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $937 and $2,183. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,217 and $2,617.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Philadelphia to Houston
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,254, but larger homes can run up to $8,256.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Philadelphia.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($957–$2,252) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 9% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Philadelphia.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Philadelphia versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $7,157 compared with $6,190.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Philadelphia | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 9% lower in Houston than in Philadelphia, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 22% higher in Houston than in Philadelphia.
- The average income in Houston and Philadelphia is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 9% more than in Philadelphia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 16% more than it is in Philadelphia.
- Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 61% lower than that of Philadelphia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Houston and Philadelphia (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Philadelphia with Houston:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Philadelphia than in Houston.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Houston
| Philadelphia | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 49 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 44% greater than Philadelphia.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Houston is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Houston and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate with scores of 63.5 and 66.09, respectively.
- Houston is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 36.5 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Houston move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you’ve chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Houston?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Philadelphia to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Philadelphia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Houston?
Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Houston take?
A move of 1,546 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Houston, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Philadelphia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Philadelphia?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Philadelphia, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Philadelphia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 53 movers in Philadelphia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 41 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across PA, there are 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Philadelphia moving services
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