Best overall value
Local moving companies in New York City
- Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Flatrate Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Top-rated moves arenโt a mythโRoadway Moving receives glowing feedback for being fast, careful, and professional. Out of 790 reviews, 92% are positive. Most customers highlight efficient and friendly crews, meticulous furniture handling, speedy packing and delivery, and excellent communication throughout the move. Crews wrap and organize everything to prevent damage, and many note stress-free experiences even during complicated or long-distance moves. Many find the booking process easy and the pricing transparent. A few reports mention delays or lost items, and some cite poor communication or surprise charges when things go wrong. Damage to items, lost communication, and unexpected fees lead the small number of negative reviews. Overall, customer input suggests Roadway stands out for reliability, detailed care, and customer focusโmaking them a stronger choice than many moving competitors, particularly for those seeking peace of mind on move day.
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Affordable rates
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Customers call Dumbo Moving a go-to for affordable, fast, and careful moves. Over 2,100 feedback entries show more than half of the input is positive and under 43% negative. Clients praise the team's efficient service, attention to detail, courteous crew, fair quotes, and how quickly they finish both local and long-distance jobs. Many appreciate their careful handling of everything from fragile furniture to electronics. Several people highlight reliable performance compared to pricier competitors, with many repeat customers saying they always get what they expect. On the downside, hundreds report cost problemsโunexpected charges, extra fees for minor add-ons, and surprise upcharges once belongings are in the truck. A significant portion warn of property damage left unresolved or poorly compensated, and complaints about staff that come off as unhelpful or pushy are common. While speedy moves and competitive rates stand out, the risk of extra charges and inconsistent customer care means Dumbo moves faster than some firms but often delivers a less predictable experience. Fewer companies inspire such loyaltyโor frustrationโin a crowded industry.
Company Info
State license #: 36990
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1543241
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
FlatRate Moving receives glowing feedback from most customers, with 94% of input highlighting efficiency, skilled handling, professional and courteous staff, clear communication, and speedy moves. Clients mention organized packing and care for belongings, with many moves completed ahead of schedule. Transparent pricing and a streamlined process set the company apart from many competitors in the industry, reducing stress typically linked to moving. Negative experiences are far less common but mainly report damaged or lost items, unresolved claims, and challenges with customer support for complaints. A small segment also notes issues with repeated follow-up needed for claim resolutions or communication lapses after damage occurred. Out of 271 reviews analyzed, an overwhelming majority found the company reliable and highly recommended FlatRate Moving, reflecting a track record that outperforms many moving services in both satisfaction and consistency.
Company Info
State license #: 32557
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 488466
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage makes relocating feel like a breeze for most customers, with 94.5% of nearly 9,000 reviews giving positive feedback. Their crews often win praise for being efficient, friendly, and showing care with belongings, making moves run quickly and protecting furniture well. Many also mention good communication and stress-free experiences, even for moves under tough conditions. Some reviewers highlight organized packing and transparent pricing as standout qualities that set Piece of Cake above their competition in major cities. Still, a small but notable group (5%) describe frustrating experiences such as item damage, surprise charges not made clear upfront, or missing boxesโand a handful share stories of items lost or mishandled during long-distance moves. A few neutral reviews point out that while customer support is responsive, the packing service can fall short of expectations. Compared to similar companies, Piece of Cake is recognized for consistent service, but itโs important for customers to ensure item lists are accurate and to monitor the moving process. For those seeking a smooth, hands-off move with careful, reliable movers, Piece of Cake comes highly recommended, but vigilance is wise to prevent issues common in the industry.
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Across 741 customer reviews, White Glove Moving & Storage shines for their meticulous handling, professionalism, and swift, efficient workโnearly 90% of feedback expresses satisfaction. Movers are repeatedly recognized for careful treatment of items, reliable communication, and prompt execution, often exceeding expectations. Customers cite friendly, organized teams and well-wrapped belongings as standout features. A minority report issues like damaged goods, delayed delivery, or unexpected fees, especially with long-distance jobs or storage. Compared to typical moving companies, White Glove receives notably fewer complaints about lost or mishandled property. While most customers strongly recommend them, a few warn to clarify terms up front to avoid delivery surprises or extra expenses. White Gloveโs track record for dependable, courteous service sets them ahead in the industry, as reflected in consistently positive input from clients.
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Key factors that impact the cost of your New York City to Philadelphia move
What to know before moving from New York City to Philadelphia
Moving from New York City to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New York City than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how New York City compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| New York City | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,340 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,683 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $15,081 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 61% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 71.2% lower than in New York City. - Income in Philadelphia is 9.4% lower than in New York City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia โ including Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO โ may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 55.3% lower than in New York City.
- A move to Philadelphia can help cut down on a familyโs routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 59.0% less than what it costs in New York City.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 5.36% lower than in New York City.
- Sales taxes are the same in Philadelphia and New York City.
- One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 71.83% lower than in New York City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,341.37 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.
How life is different in New York City vs. Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 8,258,035 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 69 |
| Crime Index | 66.09 | 50.83 |
| Safety Index | 33.91 | 49.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia's population is about 81% less than New York City.
- Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus New York City's higher score of 10.
- Philadelphia is less walkable than New York City with a score of 75 out of 100 vs New York City's 88 out of 100.
- Both Philadelphia and New York City have the same bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, meaning Philadelphia is about as safe for cyclists as New York City. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 66.09 compared to New York City's 50.83. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 33.91 vs New York City's 49.17.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in New York City it's good.
Other things to consider for your New York City vs. Philadelphia move
- 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 PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: 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.
Where to live in Philadelphia
Ready to relocate to Philly? Here are some of the top 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
Things to do in Philadelphia
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Philadelphia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New York City to Philadelphia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New York City to Philadelphia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New York City. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Philadelphia?
Because most people are moving from New York City 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 New York City to Philadelphia take?
Moving from New York City, NY to Philadelphia, PA covers 94 miles and usually takes one to two days Need to move faster? Some New York City movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Philadelphia.
