($1,310) Movers From California to Philadelphia, PA

Quick answer: Moving from California to Philadelphia, PA, costs $1,665 to $8,176 and takes seven to 21 days. How much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself will affect the overall cost of your 2,835-mile move.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Family owned
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Philadelphia, PA to California guide.

The best California to Philadelphia, PA, full-service moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Philadelphia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Philadelphia.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
(855) 929-4120
At A Glance
  • 10% discount for veterans and seniors
  • Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
  • Services local, long-distance, and international moves
  • Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
  • 24/7 customer service
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(855) 929-4120

Cost to hire professional movers from California to Philadelphiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Philadelphia will cost between $1,310 to $5,638. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from California to Philadelphia will range from $3,869 to $8,176, and a large move from California to Philadelphia will cost from $7,892 to $12,922.

The best moving containers for your California to Philadelphia move

If you want a budget-friendly move without driving a rental truck, moving containers are a great middle-ground option. You handle the packing and loading, while the company takes care of transportation.

Many providers also offer storage options, giving you extra flexibility if your new home isn’t ready yet. It’s an easy way to move at your own pace while skipping the hassle of long-distance driving.

Here are our moving container companies in California, that can get your belongings safely to your new home in Philadelphia, PA:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

Cost of moving containers from California to Philadelphiatoggle

Moving containers from California to Philadelphia will cost you $1,487 to $3,562 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,458 to $5,193. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,675 to $7,013.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Philadelphia.

The best moving truck rentals for your California to Philadelphia move

If you don’t mind a little DIY, renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to relocate to California to Philadelphia. You’ll have to handle the packing, loading, and driving — but the upside is you control the timeline from start to finish.

Check out these top-rated truck rental companies in California:

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Philadelphiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from California to Philadelphia, 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 $1,521 to $3,226. A larger move will cost $1,665 to $3,659, and a four-bedroom or more move from California to Philadelphia costs from $2,105 to $4,627. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

These are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from California

The best hourly movers for your California to Philadelphia move

Labor-only movers are a great option if you’ve already arranged transportation for your move to Philadelphia, PA, but want to avoid the strain of moving bulky furniture and heavy boxes on your own.

A moving labor company will provide you with a professional moving crew with enough members to match your move size. They’ll load your items into your moving container or rental truck and you’ll pay them by the hour for their assistance.

We recommend using one of these labor-only moving companies in California to make your move faster and easier:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
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(866) 774-5063

How much does it cost to move from California to Philadelphia, PA?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Philadelphia for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Hiring a professional California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,310 - $5,638 $1,487 - $3,562 $1,521 - $3,226
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,869 - $8,176 $2,458 - $5,193 $1,665 - $3,659
4+ bedrooms $7,892 - $12,922 $3,675 - $7,013 $2,105 - $4,627

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,835 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from California to Philadelphia, PA, will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in California, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

Use our moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving costs.

Things to know before moving from California to Philadelphia, PA

Cost of living: California vs Philadelphia, PA

California Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,695
Average home value $771,057 $216,914
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $70,746
Unemployment rate 5% 11%
State income tax 13% 3%
  • Rent is about 9% less expensive in Philadelphia than in California.
  • Home prices are about 72% lower in Philadelphia than in California.
  • The average income is about 23% lower in Philadelphia than in California.
  • Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 96%.
  • Income taxes are 77% lower in Philadelphia than in California.

How life is different in Philadelphia from California

Philadelphia California
Population 1,603,797 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 81-18 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 87ºF 87ºF
Winter low 26ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 47" 22"
Annual snow 13" 7"
Crime index 66.09 28.43
  • The population of Philadelphia is approximately 96% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Philadelphia voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Philadelphia is 87ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Philadelphia reaches the temperature of 26ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 47 inches of annual rainfall in Philadelphia vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Philadelphia, it snows about 13 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 66.09 vs 28.43.

Things to do in Philadelphia

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Philadelphia.

Museums in Philadelphiatoggle

  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Barnes
  • Museum of the American Revolution
  • The Franklin Institute
  • Rodin Museum
  • National Museum of American Jewish History
  • Please Touch Museum
  • National Constitution Center
  • Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
  • Penn Museum
  • Mutter Museum
  • Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
  • Betsy Ross House
  • Benjamin Franklin Museum

Parks in Philadelphiatoggle

  • Wissahickon Valley Park
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park
  • Fairmount Park
  • Love Park
  • Penn's Landing
  • Franklin Square
  • Washington Square
  • Dilworth Park
  • Pennypack Park
  • FDR Park
  • Sister Cities Park
  • Cira Green
  • Board Game Art Park
  • Horticulture Center - Fairmount Park
  • Smith Memorial Park

Sports Teams in Philadelphiatoggle

  • Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
  • Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
  • Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
  • Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
  • Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Universities in Philadelphiatoggle

  • The University of Pennsylvania
  • Temple University
  • Drexel University
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • Drexel University College of Medicine
  • Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Temple University School of Medicine
  • Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College.

Other considerations when moving to Philadelphia, PA

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Pennsylvania. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from California to Philadelphia take?

The time frame for a move from California to Philadelphia, PA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Philadelphia will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Philadelphia from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Philadelphia?

Because of the 2835-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Philadelphia as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia, PA?

With the summer highs of 87ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF, most people move to Philadelphia from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Philadelphia during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources