Quick answer: A move from Houston to Philadelphia costs $1,223–$8,200 and takes four to 15 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,547-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to Houston 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 Houston to Philadelphia
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Houston to go to Philadelphia can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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 TX to PA move
Local moving companies in Houston
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
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
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Philadelphia?
Houston movers charge $75 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 | $1,531 - $5,921 | $1,306 - $3,092 | $1,199 - $2,080 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,805 - $8,200 | $2,199 - $4,467 | $1,223 - $2,605 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,310 - $11,362 | $2,995 - $6,330 | $1,540 - $3,311 |
Cost to hire movers from Texas to Pennsylvania
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Texas to Pennsylvania, you can expect to spend between $1,531 and $5,921. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,805 to $8,200 on the same route (TX to PA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Texas to Pennsylvania typically runs between $6,310 and $11,362.
Cost of moving containers from Texas to Pennsylvania
Moving containers from Texas to Pennsylvania will cost you $1,306 to $3,092 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,199 to $4,467. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,995 to $6,330. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to Pennsylvania
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,199 to $2,080. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,223 to $2,605, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Texas to Pennsylvania costs around $1,540 to $3,311.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Philadelphia
What to know before moving from Houston to Philadelphia
Moving from Houston to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Houston than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Houston compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Houston | Philadelphia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,549 | $1,695 |
Average home value | $263,945 | $216,914 |
Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $70,746 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,770 | $2,541 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,157 | $6,190 |
Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 10.6% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Philadelphia, since prices are typically 9% higher than in Houston.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 17.8% lower than in Houston. - You’re likely to make a higher income living in Philadelphia, where incomes are, on average, 1.3% higher than in Houston. Major employers in Philadelphia include Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 8.3% lower than in Houston.
- A move to Philadelphia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13.5% less than what it costs in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 158.54% higher than in Houston.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Philadelphia, since the city's sales taxes in Philadelphia are 3.03% lower than in Houston.
- State income taxes in Philadelphia are 3.07% higher than in Houston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,751.99 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.
How life is different in Houston vs. Philadelphia
Philadelphia | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,603,797 | 2,301,572 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 75 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 67 | 49 |
Crime Index | 66.09 | 63.5 |
Safety Index | 33.91 | 36.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 30% less than Houston.
- Philadelphia offers better access to buses and trains than Houston, based on public transportation ratings. Philadelphia has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Houston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Philadelphia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Houston. Philadelphia is considered more walkable than Houston, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 47 out of 100 in Houston. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Philadelphia is considered more bike-friendly than Houston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, while Houston is rated as 49 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Philadelphia as Houston. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Philadelphia is generally as safe as Houston, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Philadelphia and Houston is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Philadelphia move
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Philly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
Once you're settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, it's time to get out and discover what Philadelphia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) 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 most people are moving from Houston to Philadelphia 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 Houston to Philadelphia take?
Moving from Houston, TX to Philadelphia, PA covers 1,547 miles and usually takes four to 15 days Need to move faster? Some Houston movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.