Top-rated local movers that handle Houston to Philadelphia moves
When planning a move from Houston to Philadelphia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 49 local movers in Houston 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 Houston to Philadelphia.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
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 #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Philadelphia?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,197 – $4,629 | $943 – $2,419 | $866 – $1,660 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,859 – $6,745 | $1,844 – $3,421 | $1,035 – $2,142 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,983 – $9,257 | $2,535 – $4,667 | $1,254 – $2,566 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Philadelphia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Philadelphia, you can expect to spend between $1,197 and $4,629. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,859 to $6,745 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Houston to Philadelphia typically runs between $4,983 and $9,257.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Philadelphia
When moving from Houston to Philadelphia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $943 and $2,419. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,844 to $3,421. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,535 up to $4,667. 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 Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Philadelphia
Renting a moving truck in Houston is usually your cheapest option to get to Philadelphia. 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 $866 and $1,660. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,035 and $2,142. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,254 and $2,566.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Houston to Philadelphia
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,346, but larger homes can run up to $9,023.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Houston.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($866–$2,321) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Houston to Philadelphia
Many movers find Philadelphia easier on the wallet than Houston – roughly 8% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,541 for one person in Philadelphia versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it’s $6,190 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
- As you consider relocating to Philadelphia, note that rent can be roughly 9% more expensive than it is in Houston; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 18% lower in Philadelphia than in Houston.
- The average income in Philadelphia and Houston is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Philadelphia, where the cost of living for a single person is 8% less than in Houston.
- Moving to Philadelphia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 14% less than in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 159% higher compared to Houston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in Philadelphia and Houston (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Pennsylvania has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Houston with Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Houston | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Houston than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Philadelphia.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Houston than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Houston vs. Philadelphia
| Houston | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation 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 |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 30% less than Houston.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Houston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia and Houston have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 63.5, respectively.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Houston with a score of 33.91 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Philadelphia 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you’ve chosen Philly as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Philadelphia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, it’s time to see what Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia offers cultural landmarks like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to Philadelphia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Houston to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Houston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Philadelphia?
Because spring and fall moves from Houston to Philadelphia 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 Houston to Philadelphia take?
A move of 1,547 miles from Houston, TX to Philadelphia, generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Houston sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Philadelphia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Houston?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 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 Houston offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 27 movers in Houston have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 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.
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