Quick answer: A typical 1,547-mile move from Philadelphia to Houston runs $1,285–$8,360 and takes four to 15 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Houston to Philadelphia guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Philadelphia to Houston
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Philadelphia to Houston can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to TX move
Local movers servicing Philadelphia to Houston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Philadelphia that also provides long-distance services to Houston can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Philadelphia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Philadelphia to Houston.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- BR Moving: 4.62 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
State license #: 39PM00121400
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of New Jersey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 #: 8916888
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2508433
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Houston?
Philadelphia movers charge $130 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 | $1,440 - $5,920 | $1,319 - $3,060 | $1,130 - $2,166 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,619 - $8,360 | $2,265 - $4,647 | $1,285 - $2,709 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,567 - $11,251 | $2,902 - $6,330 | $1,555 - $3,278 |
Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to Texas
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Texas, you can expect to spend between $1,440 and $5,920. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,619 to $8,360 on the same route (PA to TX). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to Texas typically runs between $6,567 and $11,251.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Texas
If you're moving from Pennsylvania to Texas, expect to pay between $1,319 and $3,060 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,265 up to $4,647. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,902 and $6,330. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Texas
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $1,130 and $2,166. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,285 and $2,709. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,555 and $3,278.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Houston
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Houston
Moving from Philadelphia to Houston comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Houston is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Philadelphia | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $216,914 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 9% lower than in Philadelphia, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Houston are 21.7% higher than in Philadelphia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Houston is 1.3% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston — including H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 9.0% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Houston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 15.6% higher than in Philadelphia.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 61.32% lower than in Philadelphia.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Houston, since its sales taxes are 3.13% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Philadelphia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,270.37 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Houston
Houston | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 1,603,797 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 47 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 67 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 66.09 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 33.91 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 44% greater than Philadelphia.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher 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 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
- Houston and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate.
- Houston and Philadelphia are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Houston move
- Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Houston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Houston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) 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 most people are moving from Philadelphia to Houston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Philadelphia to Houston take?
Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Houston, TX covers 1,547 miles and usually takes four to 15 days Need to move faster? Some Philadelphia movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Houston.