($151+) Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $151 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,072 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 145 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $682, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,072 or more.
- Moving containers run $715 - $2,173, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $151 - $337.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,112 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 Arlington, VA
There are 3 main ways to move from Philadelphia to Arlington: 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 $1,112 - $3,337. Containers cost roughly 13% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 86% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 145 miles, expect 1 to 2 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 145-mile route from Philadelphia to Arlington, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $682 - $2,854 with full-service movers, $715 - $1,222 with a container, $151 - $243 with a rental truck, or $669 - $1,056 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,112 - $3,337 full-service, $964 - $1,683 by container, $156 - $301 by rental truck, or $735 - $1,320 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,498 - $4,072 full-service, $1,229 - $2,173 by container, $207 - $337 by rental truck, or $917 - $1,622 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
For the 145-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $682 and $4,072. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $384 - $2,560 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $682 - $2,854
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,112 - $3,337
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,498 - $4,072
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 Arlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $640 - $6,400 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $256 - $1,536/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $384 - $3,072 |
| 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 | $1,280 - $3,840 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,200 - $12,800 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $959 - $1,821 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,280 - $3,200 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,024 - $4,480 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $384 - $1,920 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $832 - $2,560 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $384 - $19,200+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $384 - $4,480+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Arlington with a local mover averages $1,134 - $3,403. Working with a local mover based in Philadelphia, PA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (4.56/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Philadelphia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,563 customers, 99.3% of which is positive.
Address: 558 W Uwchlan Ave, Exton, PA, 19341 | Founded: 2020
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $715 and $2,173. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $715 - $1,222
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $964 - $1,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,229 - $2,173
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 $896 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 $96 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $192 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 Arlington, VA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Virginia 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 $715. 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 $964 - $1,683.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 145-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $151 and $337, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $59 - $67
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $151 - $243
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $156 - $301
- 4+ bedrooms: $207 - $337
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $151 - $337 does not include fuel ($59 - $67), lodging ($192/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Philadelphia to Arlington typically runs more than the base rate alone.
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 $896.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $59 - $67 for the 145-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 $77 and $416, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $192 per night for hotel stops on the 145-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $384 - $576.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,152 and $1,320.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $669 - $1,056
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $735 - $1,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $917 - $1,622
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $896.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $96 - $192 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Arlington?
- 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Arlington fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 235 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 145-mile move.
Our take
The 145-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA, costs between $682 and $4,072 with full-service movers, $715 - $2,173 with a moving container, and $151 - $337 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,112 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($59 - $67), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $192/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA?
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.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.