($161+) Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $166 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,267 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 144 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 $646, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,267 or more.
- Moving containers run $757 - $2,255, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $166 - $342.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,142 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Philadelphia: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,142 - $3,459. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 144-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 144-mile route from Arlington to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $646 - $2,986 with full-service movers, $757 - $1,255 with a container, $166 - $268 with a rental truck, or $680 - $1,176 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,142 - $3,459 full-service, $991 - $1,746 by container, $164 - $321 by rental truck, or $793 - $1,481 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $1,650 - $4,267 full-service, $1,225 - $2,255 by container, $201 - $342 by rental truck, or $1,041 - $1,647 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
For the 144-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, full-service movers cost between $646 and $4,267. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $420 - $2,800 (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 Arlington generally start around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $646 - $2,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,142 - $3,459
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,650 - $4,267
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 Arlington to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $700 - $7,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $280 - $1,680/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $420 - $3,360 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,400 - $4,200 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,500 - $14,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,049 - $1,992 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,400 - $3,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,120 - $4,900 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $420 - $2,100 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $910 - $2,800 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $420 - $21,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $420 - $4,900+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Philadelphia?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Philadelphia with a local mover averages $1,199 - $3,631. Working with a local mover based in Arlington, VA 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.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Arlington, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $757 and $2,255. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Arlington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $757 - $1,255
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,225 - $2,255
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $980, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $105 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $210 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia 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 $757. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $991 - $1,746, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
Truck rentals from Arlington, Virginia, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, range from $166 - $342 for the 144-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $64 - $73
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $166 - $268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $164 - $321
- 4+ bedrooms: $201 - $342
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Arlington to Philadelphia starts at $166 - $342, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($64 - $73) , overnight lodging ($210/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $105 and $490.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $210.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $64 and $73 for the 144-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 $980 for 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA
If you're moving a larger household from Arlington, Virginia, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $793 and $1,481.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $680 - $1,176
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $793 - $1,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,041 - $1,647
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $105 and $210.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $980.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington 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.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Arlington 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: Arlington, VA vs Philadelphia, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 104 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 33.91/100 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA to Arlington, VA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Pennsylvania in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 104 movers based in Virginia, handy for sizing up options on this 144-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, 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 $646 - $4,267 on the 144-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $757 - $2,255 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $166 - $342 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,142 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 Arlington, VA, to Philadelphia, PA
What is the cheapest way to move from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $164 - $321. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $646 to $4,267, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $646 and $4,267, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Philadelphia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
