Factors influencing moving costs from Philadelphia to Arlingtontoggle

The cost of Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Arlington can be as low as $704 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 4,499.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, 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 $189 to $368. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Arlington

Moving from Philadelphia to Arlington comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Arlington is generally more expensive than Philadelphia, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Arlington
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,718
Average home value $216,914 $810,670
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $128,145
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $6,867
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $11,970
Unemployment rate 10.6% 4.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.0%
State income tax 3.07% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Arlington are 60% higher than in Philadelphia, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Arlington are 273.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Arlington is 81.1% higher than in Philadelphia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Arlington include U.S. Department of Defense, Safran, and BAE Systems.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Arlington, since the cost of living for a single person in Arlington is 170.2% higher than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Arlington, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Arlington is 93.4% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Arlington is 62.26% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Arlington, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Arlington are 25.00% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Arlington are 87.30% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,107.44 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Arlington

Arlington Philadelphia
Population 238,643 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 71 75
Bike friendliness score 72 67
Crime Index 15.67 66.09
Safety Index 79.15 33.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Arlington's population is about 85% less than Philadelphia.
  • Arlington's public transportation has a similar score to Philadelphia.
  • Arlington is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Arlington's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 15.67 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
  • Arlington is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 79.15 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
  • Air quality in Arlington is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia vs. Arlington move

  • Weather: Arlington has hot humid summers, mild to moderately cold winters, and pleasant spring and fall seasons.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Virginia, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toArlington Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Arlington

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Arlington to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Aurora Highlands
  • Ballston-Virginia Square
  • Bluemont
  • Clarendon-Courthouse
  • Radnor-Ft Myer Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Chain Bridge Forest
  • Dominion Hills
  • Forest Glen
  • Lyon Village
  • Penrose

Things to do in Arlington

Now that you've made the move to Virginia, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Arlington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Arlington, such as the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington Historical Museum, and Arlington Arts Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 145-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Arlington, VA, takes one to two days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Arlington.

Helpful moving resources