How Much Do Movers Cost in Philadelphia?

Depending on the size of your home, the distance of your move, the services you choose, and even the time of year, the cost of Philly movers can vary widely, as every move is unique.

That said, having a ballpark figure can help you set a realistic budget, whilst understanding how movers calculate your move’s cost can help you avoid hidden fees and potential scams.

On average, you can expect to pay:

• Local moves in Philadelphia: $450 – $3,200
• Long-distance moves: $2,600 – $15,000+

Average Moving Costs in Philadelphia

Local moves are usually billed hourly, while long-distance moves are priced based on weight and mileage.

Here are the typical costs of different-sized moves:

Type of Move	Average Cost
Studio or small apartment move	$450 – $750
2-bedroom local move	$800 – $1,200
3-bedroom home move	$1,300 – $2,400
4-bedroom house move	$1,900 – $3,200
Long-distance move (shorter distance)	$2,600 – $6,500
Cross-country relocation	$6,000 – $15,000+

These costs will include:

• Moving truck
• Professional movers
• Basic equipment (dollies, straps, blankets)
• Standard liability coverage

However, additional services such as packing, storage, or specialty item moving will increase the final cost.

Long carry fees, shuttle vans, and flights of stairs, if applicable to your move, will also cost you extra.

You may also like to read: Understanding Moving Quotes. There are various types of moving quotes, and the one you choose can significantly affect the final cost of your move. In this guide, we explain the different types of moving quotes and things to watch out for.

How Much Do Local Movers Cost in Philadelphia?

For moves within 50 miles of Philadelphia, moving companies usually charge an hourly rate per mover.

Average hourly rate for movers in Philadelphia

• $90 – $120 per mover per hour

Most local moves require two to four movers and take between 3 and 8 hours, depending on the size of the home.

Typical minimum booking requirements are 2–3 hours.

For example:

• 2 movers × $100/hour × 4 hours = $800 total
• 3 movers × $110/hour × 6 hours = $1,980 total

Local Moving Costs by Home Size

Below is the typical price range for hiring local movers in Philadelphia based on the size of your home.

Home Size	Estimated Moving Cost
Studio / 1-bedroom	$450 – $750
2-bedroom	$800 – $1,200
3-bedroom	$1,300 – $2,400
4-bedroom	$1,900 – $3,200

These estimates assume standard conditions with reasonable access to parking and elevators.

Cost to Move a Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment is usually the most affordable type of move.

Typical cost: $450 – $750

These moves often involve:

• 2 movers
• 3–4 hours of labor
• a small moving truck

Small apartment moves are common in neighborhoods like Fishtown, Northern Liberties, and University City, where many residents live in compact apartments or condos.

Cost to Move a Two-Bedroom Home

Moving a two-bedroom home or apartment in Philadelphia generally costs:

$800 – $1,200

This type of move usually requires:

• 2–3 movers
• 4–5 hours of labor
• a medium-sized moving truck

Many couples and small families moving within the city fall into this category.

You may also like to read: All You Need to Know About Hiring Local Movers. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of hiring local movers, explaining the red flags to look out for and what makes a good local mover.

Cost to Move a Three-Bedroom Home

Larger family homes naturally require more labor and time.

Average price: $1,300 – $2,400

Typical moving crew:

• 3 movers
• 5–7 hours

Homes in neighborhoods such as Roxborough, East Falls, and Chestnut Hill often fall into this category.

Cost to Move a Four-Bedroom House

Large household moves usually require additional movers and more time.

Average price: $1,900 – $3,200+

These moves may involve:

• 4 movers
• 7–9 hours of labor
• a large moving truck

Suburban areas like Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, and Conshohocken often involve larger homes and more belongings.

Moving Within Philadelphia Neighborhoods

Philadelphia is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with dozens of distinct neighborhoods and nearby suburbs.

Popular areas people relocate within include:

• Manayunk
• Fishtown
• Rittenhouse Square
• Old City
• University City
• Ardmore
• Bryn Mawr
• Conshohocken
• Swarthmore
• Devon
• Berwyn

Each neighborhood has unique logistical challenges that can influence moving costs.

For example:

Center City

• Parking restrictions
• Elevator scheduling
• Limited loading zones

Manayunk

• Narrow streets
• Hills and tight turns

Historic districts

• Limited truck access
• Long carry distances

Because of these factors, moving costs within Philadelphia can vary even when the distance is short.

Important: For local moves in Pennsylvania, companies must be registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Check that any local mover you are thinking of hiring is legally licensed by calling 1-800-692-7380.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good Neighborhood. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.

How Much Do Long-Distance Movers Cost From Philadelphia?

When moving outside Pennsylvania, pricing is calculated differently, and costs are based on:

• Weight of your belongings
• Distance traveled
• Fuel costs
• Additional services

Average long-distance moving costs from Philadelphia range from $2,600 to more than $15,000.

Long-Distance Moving Costs by Distance

Distance	1-Bedroom	2-Bedroom	3-Bedroom	4-Bedroom
250 miles	$1,400 – $3,600	$1,900 – $4,700	$2,400 – $5,500	$3,000 – $6,400
500 miles	$1,900 – $4,300	$2,600 – $5,500	$3,600 – $6,700	$4,500 – $7,900
1,000 miles	$2,900 – $5,700	$3,400 – $6,700	$4,300 – $7,600	$5,200 – $8,700
1,500 miles	$3,400 – $6,200	$4,100 – $7,500	$4,900 – $8,200	$6,200 – $9,800
2,000 miles	$3,900 – $7,200	$4,600 – $8,400	$5,800 – $9,500	$7,500 – $12,500

These estimates assume standard moving services without packing or specialty items.

Popular Moving Routes From Philadelphia

Many residents move between Philadelphia and other major U.S. cities.

Here are some common relocation routes and their typical costs.

Philadelphia to Atlanta

Average moving costs:

• 1-bedroom: $2,600 – $5,500
• 2-bedroom: $3,100 – $6,400
• 3-bedroom: $3,900 – $7,200
• 4-bedroom: $4,800 – $8,200

Atlanta is a popular destination due to its lower cost of living and strong job market.

Philadelphia to Boston

Average moving costs:

• 1-bedroom: $1,400 – $3,400
• 2-bedroom: $1,900 – $4,400
• 3-bedroom: $2,400 – $5,100
• 4-bedroom: $2,900 – $5,900

This route is common among professionals relocating between major East Coast cities.

Philadelphia to Chicago

Average moving costs:

• 1-bedroom: $2,700 – $5,600
• 2-bedroom: $3,200 – $6,400
• 3-bedroom: $4,100 – $7,200
• 4-bedroom: $5,100 – $8,300

Chicago attracts many professionals seeking opportunities in finance, healthcare, and tech.

Philadelphia to Denver

Average moving costs:

• 1-bedroom: $3,500 – $6,000
• 2-bedroom: $4,200 – $7,400
• 3-bedroom: $4,900 – $8,200
• 4-bedroom: $6,100 – $10,200

Denver is popular for its outdoor lifestyle and booming tech industry.

Philadelphia to Los Angeles

Cross-country moving costs:

• 1-bedroom: $3,200 – $6,400
• 2-bedroom: $4,400 – $7,900
• 3-bedroom: $5,900 – $9,400
• 4-bedroom: $7,900 – $13,000

Long-distance moves across the country tend to be the most expensive.

Important: For interstate moves, companies must have a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

You may also like to read: How to Pick a Good Interstate Mover. Not all movers are equal. In this guide, we explain how to pick a good mover, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to save money when hiring movers.

What Affects Moving Costs in Philadelphia?

Understanding what impacts moving prices can help you estimate your final bill more accurately.

Distance of the Move

Local moves are priced hourly.

Long-distance moves are priced based on:

• shipment weight
• mileage
• fuel costs

Size of the Move

The more belongings you have, the higher the cost will be.

More items mean:

• longer loading time
• larger trucks
• heavier shipments

Packing Services

Professional packing services cost extra.

Average packing costs:

• Studio: $150 – $300
• 2-bedroom home: $400 – $700
• 4-bedroom house: $900 – $1,500+

However, hiring professional packers is money well spent. They will save you significant time and inconvenience, will protect your fragile items properly, and most importantly, things packed by professional packers will be covered by insurance, which is not normally the case if you pack items yourself.

You may also like to read: Home Moving Insurance Explained. This guide is essential reading and could potentially save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Being underinsured is the number one home moving mistake; don’t be the next victim. Read this guide to understand exactly what is and isn’t insured during your move.

Specialty Items

Certain items require special handling, such as:

• pianos
• antiques
• pool tables
• large safes
• artwork

These items may add $150 – $1,000+ to the total moving cost.

Stairs and Elevators

Extra labor is required when movers must navigate:

• multiple flights of stairs
• narrow hallways
• elevators with scheduling restrictions

This may result in additional fees.

Long Carry Fees

If the moving truck cannot park close to your home, movers may charge a long carry fee for transporting items over longer distances.

Time of Year

Moving prices fluctuate based on demand.

Peak moving season:

May through September

During this period, prices can be 20–30% higher.

The most affordable time to move is usually:

• late fall
• winter
• early spring

You may also like to read: Understanding the Bill of Lading. This is one of the most important documents you will sign during your move. It is the contract between you and the mover and will list all the things that may or may not affect the price of your move. In this guide, we explain all you need to know about this vitally important document.

How to Reduce Your Moving Costs

There are several ways to reduce your relocation costs whilst still ensuring the safety of your household items and receiving a good moving experience.

Declutter Before Moving

Reducing the number of items you move can significantly lower costs.

Consider:

• selling unused items
• donating furniture
• recycling old electronics

Less weight and fewer boxes mean a cheaper move.

Pack Your Own Belongings

Pack low-value items yourself and leave the fragile and expensive items to the pros. See the article above about insuring home moves. You must understand the risk of packing things yourself.

You can also reduce costs by finding:

• free boxes
• recycled packing materials
• reusable containers

Move During Off-Peak Times

If possible, avoid moving during:

• summer weekends
• holidays
• end-of-month dates

Moving on weekdays during slower months can lower rates.

Compare Multiple Moving Quotes

One of the most effective ways to save money is to request at least three quotes from different moving companies.

Comparing quotes allows you to:

• Identify fair pricing
• Negotiate better deals
• Avoid overpriced movers

You may also like to read: How to Save Money Moving Home. There are certain aspects of your move on which you can save money and still have a successful and safe move. In this guide, we explain how to save money safely when moving home.

How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company in Philadelphia

Choosing the right mover is just as important as finding the best price.

Look for companies that:

• are licensed and insured
• have positive online reviews
• provide written estimates
• have transparent pricing

Remember to verify that the movers are properly licensed and insured.

You may also like to read: Moving Apps Compared. One of the best ways to keep your move organized is to use a moving app. In this guide, we compare 5 moving apps to help you decide which would be best to help organize your specific move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do movers cost per hour in Philadelphia?

Professional movers typically charge $90–$120 per mover per hour.

A standard local move with two movers may cost $600–$1,000 depending on the time required.

What is the cheapest day to hire movers?

Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are usually the cheapest days to move.

Avoid weekends and peak summer dates whenever possible.

Do movers charge extra for stairs?

Yes, some moving companies charge additional fees for multiple flights of stairs or difficult access conditions.

How far in advance should I book movers?

It is recommended to book movers 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with guides to make every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.