Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best PA→VA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Arlington

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Arlington runs about 170% higher for singles and 93% higher for families than Philadelphia.

Singles spend around $6,867 in Arlington versus $2,541 in Philadelphia; families pay $11,970 compared with $6,190.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Philadelphia	Arlington
Average 1 BR rent	$1,791	$2,475
Average 3 BR rent	$3,116	$4,350
Average home value	$216,914	$810,670
Average income (per capita)	$70,746	$128,145
Cost of living (single)	$2,541	$6,867
Cost of living (family of four)	$6,190	$11,970
Unemployment rate	10.6%	4.0%
Sales tax	8.0%	6.0%
State income tax	3.07%	5.75%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Planning a move to Arlington? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 60% higher than in Philadelphia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Arlington are about 274% higher than those in Philadelphia.
Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 81% higher in Arlington compared to Philadelphia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Arlington, as living costs for a single person are 170% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
If you're moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 93% higher than in Philadelphia.
The unemployment rate in Arlington is about 62% lower than in Philadelphia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
Sales taxes are 25% less in Arlington relative to Philadelphia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
Income taxes in Virginia are 87% above those in Pennsylvania. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Philadelphia and Arlington:

Living Expense	Philadelphia	Arlington
Basic utilities	$269.29	$208.70
Cell phone plan	$61.40	$59.67
Dozen eggs	$4.30	$4.26
Loaf of bread	$4.15	$4.18
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$24.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$90.00	$90.00
Gym membership	$48.67	$77.25

Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Arlington.
Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Arlington.
Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Arlington.
Bread costs less in Philadelphia than in Arlington.
A quick meal is cheaper in Philadelphia than in Arlington.
The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
Gym memberships are more affordable in Philadelphia than in Arlington.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Arlington

	Philadelphia	Arlington
Population	1,603,797	238,643
Transportation score	9	9
Walkability score	75	71
Bike friendliness score	67	72
Crime index	66.09	15.67
Safety index	33.91	79.15
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Arlington's population is about 85% less than Philadelphia.
Arlington's public transportation score is within about 5% of Philadelphia, making them very similar.
Arlington and Philadelphia are similarly walkable.
With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Arlington's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 15.67 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
Arlington is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 79.15 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
Air quality in Arlington is Good, and in Philadelphia it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Arlington move

HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: Virginia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
Moving Permits: Virginia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
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 Arlington. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Arlington

Planning your move to ? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Arlington.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Aurora Highlands
Ballston-Virginia Square
Bluemont
Clarendon-Courthouse
Radnor-Ft Myer Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

Arlington Ridge
Barcroft
Chain Bridge Forest
Cherrydale
Dominion Hills
Forest Glen
Lyon Village
Penrose
Westover Village

Things to do in Arlington

After settling into your new Virginia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Arlington has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

Arts and culture: Arlington features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, and Arlington Historical Museum.
Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Arlington Youth Football Club game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Philadelphia to Arlington?

Planning your move from Philadelphia to Arlington? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Arlington?

Because most people are moving from Philadelphia to Arlington 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 Arlington take?

The 145-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Arlington.

Are there special savings available from movers in Philadelphia?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Philadelphia?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Philadelphia, 53 movers can manage piano relocations. 41 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.