($312+) Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $312 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,847 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 277 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $878, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,847 or more.
- Moving containers run $818 - $2,689, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $312 - $790.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,502 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 Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Providence to Philadelphia: 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 $1,502 - $4,035. Containers cost roughly 24% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 79% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 277 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 277-mile route from Providence to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $878 - $3,484, container $818 - $1,486, rental truck $312 - $532, freight trailer $744 - $1,283.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,502 - $4,035, container $1,142 - $2,125, rental truck $310 - $669, freight trailer $888 - $1,651.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,076 - $5,847, container $1,436 - $2,689, rental truck $399 - $790, freight trailer $1,148 - $2,026.
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 Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
For the 277-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, full-service movers cost between $878 and $5,847. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $321 - $2,140 (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 Providence generally start around $348 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $3,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,502 - $4,035
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,076 - $5,847
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 Providence to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 79% of Providence movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Philadelphia, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $535 - $5,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $214 - $1,284/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $321 - $2,568 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,070 - $3,210 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,675 - $10,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $801 - $1,523 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,070 - $2,675 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $856 - $3,745 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $321 - $1,605 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: G Metz Moving & Storage | $696 - $2,140 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $321 - $16,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $321 - $3,745+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Philadelphia?
All three below meet the standards set by the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, the group most Pennsylvania 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 Providence, RI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Providence to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,427 - $3,834. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Providence, RI often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Safe Responsible Movers (4.38/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Providence, based on our analysis of feedback from 495 customers, 97.6% of which is positive.
Address: 24 Denby Rd #28, Boston, MA, 02134 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $818 and $2,689. 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 Providence typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $818 - $1,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,142 - $2,125
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,436 - $2,689
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 $749 in Providence, RI. 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 $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $161 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 Philadelphia, PA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island to Pennsylvania 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 $818. 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 $1,142 - $2,125.
What are the best moving containers Providence to Philadelphia?
- 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Esquire Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
Plan on $312 - $790 for a rental moving truck on the 277-mile route from Providence, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $94 - $108
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Providence to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $312 - $532
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $310 - $669
- 4+ bedrooms: $399 - $790
Pro tip: The base rate of $312 - $790 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Providence to Philadelphia. Fuel ($94 - $108), lodging at around $161/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $375.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $161.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $94 and $108 for the 277-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $749 for 2 movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence to Philadelphia?
- 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 Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Providence, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 $963 and $1,651.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $744 - $1,283
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $888 - $1,651
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,026
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $80 - $161 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for about five hours typically runs $749.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Providence to Philadelphia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Philadelphia, PA
Providence and Philadelphia land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 109 in Providence and 104 in Philadelphia, and average rent is $2,200/mo vs. $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 76 vs 75 and safety scores are 50.16 vs 33.91.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 27 movers in our Rhode Island network to compare for this 277-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Providence, RI, to Philadelphia, PA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $878 - $5,847 on the 277-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $818 - $2,689 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $312 - $790 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,502 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Providence, RI, to Philadelphia, PA
What is the best time of year to move from Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA?
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. 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 Providence, RI to Philadelphia, PA?
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 Philadelphia a safe place to live?
Philadelphia has a safety index of 33.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.09, compared to 50.16 and 49.84 in Providence. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 76 and 61 in Providence. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia?
For families, Bella Vista, Bustleton, and Chestnut Hill are worth a look in Philadelphia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cedar Park, Fishtown, and Manayunk tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.