Richmond, VA to Philadelphia, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best VA→PA movers

moveBuddha’s dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 103 Virginia moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Richmond to Philadelphia

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about 12% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Richmond.

Singles spend around $2,541 in Philadelphia versus $2,270 in Richmond; families pay $6,190 compared with $5,336.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Richmond	Philadelphia
Average 1 BR rent	$1,537	$1,791
Average 3 BR rent	$2,539	$3,116
Average home value	$350,897	$216,914
Average income (per capita)	$59,606	$70,746
Cost of living (single)	$2,270	$2,541
Cost of living (family of four)	$5,336	$6,190
Unemployment rate	7.1%	10.6%
Sales tax	6.0%	8.0%
State income tax	5.75%	3.07%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 6% more expensive in Philadelphia than in Richmond. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 38% cheaper in Philadelphia than in Richmond.
Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 19% greater in Philadelphia than in Richmond, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
Prepare for elevated costs in Philadelphia, with the cost of living for a single person being 12% more than in Richmond. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
When considering a family move to Philadelphia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 16% higher than in Richmond.
Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than Richmond by about 49%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
Sales taxes in Philadelphia surpass those in Richmond by 33%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
Income taxes are 47% less in Pennsylvania compared to Virginia, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Richmond versus Philadelphia:

Living Expense	Richmond	Philadelphia
Basic utilities	$148.21	$269.29
Cell phone plan	$51.67	$61.40
Dozen eggs	$4.95	$4.30
Loaf of bread	$3.66	$4.15
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)	$20.00	$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)	$100.00	$90.00
Gym membership	$59.72	$48.67

Basic utilities cost less in Richmond than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
Cell phone plans are cheaper in Richmond than in Philadelphia.
Eggs cost more in Richmond than in Philadelphia.
Bread costs less in Richmond than in Philadelphia.
The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Richmond than in Philadelphia.
Gym memberships cost more in Richmond than in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Philadelphia

	Richmond	Philadelphia
Population	226,610	1,603,797
Transportation score	7	9
Walkability score	51	75
Bike friendliness score	51	67
Crime index	48.45	66.09
Safety index	51.55	33.91
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Philadelphia’s population is about 608% greater than Richmond.
Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Richmond’s score of 7.
Philadelphia is more walkable than Richmond with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Richmond’s 51 out of 100.
With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Richmond, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than Richmond with a score of 66.09 compared to Richmond’s 48.45. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Richmond with a score of 33.91 vs Richmond’s 51.55.
Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Richmond it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Richmond to Philadelphia move

HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Philadelphia

With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.

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

With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Philadelphia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Richmond to Philadelphia?

If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Richmond to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Richmond.

When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to Philadelphia?

Want to save on your move from Richmond to Philadelphia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Richmond to Philadelphia take?

The 248-mile move from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia, PA, takes one to two days. Some Richmond movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Richmond?

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 13 movers in Richmond provide piano moving services. 12 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,300 and 1,465.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.