($1,198) Moving from Columbus to Philadelphia

Quick answer: A move from Columbus to Philadelphia costs $631 to $6,131 and takes two-seven 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 887-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Columbus will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Philadelphia to Columbus guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Columbus to Philadelphia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus 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 Columbus to Philadelphia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Philadelphia?

Columbus movers charge $140 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 $1,198 - $4,394 $847 - $2,080 $628 - $1,128
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,615 - $6,131 $1,449 - $2,953 $631 - $1,340
4+ bedrooms $4,259 - $7,954 $2,067 - $3,866 $858 - $1,746
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 887 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Philadelphia

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Columbus to Philadelphia can be as low as $1,198 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,768.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $628 to $1,446. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbus to Philadelphia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Philadelphia will cost between $1,198 to $4,394. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,615 to $6,131, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Philadelphia will cost from $4,259 to $7,954.

How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Philadelphia?

Moving containers from Columbus to Philadelphia will cost you $847 to $2,080 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,449 to $2,953. A larger home will cost $2,067 to $3,866.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Philadelphia?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $628 to $1,128. A larger move will cost $631 to $1,340, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Philadelphia costs from $858 to $1,746. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Philadelphia

Cost of living: Columbus vs Philadelphia

Columbus Philadelphia
Average rent cost $1,095 $1,695
Average home value $153,667 $214,422
Average income (per capita) $50,542 $68,961
Cost of Living (single person) $1,286 $2,571
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,228 $5,886
Unemployment rate 5.0% 10.6%
Sales Tax 9.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Philadelphia are 55% higher than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Philadelphia are 39.5% higher than in Columbus.
  • Income in Philadelphia is 36.4% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Philadelphia is 99.9% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Philadelphia is 82.3% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 112.00% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Philadelphia are 11.11% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Philadelphia are 46.61% lower than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,997.67 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia Columbus
Population 1,603,797 206,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 2
Walkability score 75 25
Bike friendliness score 67 31
Crime Index 34.66 39.07
Safety Index 34.1 25.48
Air Quality Good Good
  • Philadelphia's population is about 675% greater than Columbus.
  • Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 2.
  • Philadelphia is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
  • Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Columbus's 31.
  • Philadelphia's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 34.66 compared to Columbus's 39.07. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 34.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 39.07%.
  • Philadelphia is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 34.1 vs Columbus's 25.48.
  • Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Considerations for moving to Philadelphia

  • 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.
  • 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 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.

Local Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1421 Belfast Ave, Columbus, GA, 31904
(706) 352-9518
Apple Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
4949 Schatulga Road, Columbus, GA, 31907
(706) 561-1981

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
  • Foxchase
  • Roxborough

What to do in Philadelphia

These are some of the best things to do in your new Pennsylvania home.

  • Independence National Historical Park
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Philadelphia Zoo
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Please Touch Museum
  • Betsy Ross House
  • Franklin Square
  • Center City Shopping and LOVE Park
  • UPenn (The University of Pennsylvania)
  • South Street
  • Philadelphia Magic Gardens
  • Philadelphia Sports Tailgate
  • Italian Market
  • Chinatown
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Winterfest
  • Barnes Foundation
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park
  • The Franklin Institute
  • Breweries
  • Cheesesteaks
  • Mutter Museum
  • Chestnut Hill
  • Wissahickon
  • Frankford Ave/Fishtown

Get your sports on!

Philadelphia is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

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

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Columbus to Philadelphia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.

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

Because most people are moving from Columbus 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 Columbus to Philadelphia take?

The 887-mile move from Columbus, GA, to Philadelphia, PA, takes two-seven days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.

Helpful moving resources