Local Move

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to New York, NY

81 miles · 1h 42m drive · Estimated cost $1,150–$1,954 for a 2-bedroom move

81 miles

1h 42m drive

Cost Index: 1.04 → 1.39

Cost Estimate: Philadelphia to New York

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$1,546

Range: $1,150 – $1,954

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$1,076

Range: $820 – $1,341

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$386

Range: $206 – $575

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Philadelphia to New York move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Philadelphia, PA → New York, NY · 81 miles

Low

$1,150

Estimated

$1,546

High

$1,954

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom local move from Philadelphia to New York.

Total$1,547

Labor(35.0%)

$459 – $624

Transportation(36.9%)

$408 – $734

Packing(21.8%)

$225 – $450

Insurance(2.8%)

$22 – $72

Tips(3.5%)

$37 – $75

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Philadelphia to New York vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Destination

New York

Cost of Living Index

104

139

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,650

$3,500

Average Rent (2BR)

$2,000

$4,200

State Income Tax

3.1%

10.9%

Avg High Temperature

63°F

62°F

You'll spend ~111% more on housing

Average rent in New York is $3,850/mo vs $1,825/mo in Philadelphia

Top Neighborhoods

Philadelphia

Fishtown
Rittenhouse Square
Northern Liberties
Manayunk
Old City

New York

Brooklyn Heights
Upper West Side
Astoria
Park Slope
Williamsburg

Local Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 81-mile move from Philadelphia to New York.

Consider a DIY move

At under 100 miles, renting a truck for your Philadelphia to New York move can save you 50–70% compared to full-service movers.

Move mid-week

Tuesday through Thursday moves are typically 15–25% cheaper than weekend moves, with better availability.

Declutter before you pack

Sell or donate items you no longer need. Less stuff means fewer boxes, a smaller truck, and a lower bill.

Get at least 3 quotes

Local moving company rates can vary dramatically. Always compare at least three in-home or video estimates.

Reserve your elevator

If you live in an apartment building, book the service elevator in advance to avoid delays and extra hourly charges.

Finding Local Movers

For local moves under 100 miles, we recommend searching for movers in the Philadelphia area. Local companies often provide better rates and more personalized service than national carriers for short-distance moves. Always get at least 3 in-home estimates and verify licensing through the FMCSA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to New York?

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Philadelphia, PA to New York, NY ranges from $1,150 to $1,954, with a typical cost around $1,546. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $386. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Philadelphia to New York take?

The distance from Philadelphia to New York is approximately 81 miles. The estimated driving time is 1h 42m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1 day to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Philadelphia to New York?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 81-mile move, a DIY move can save you significantly — rental trucks are affordable for short distances, and you can recruit friends to help. Compare your DIY cost of ~$386 vs. full-service at ~$1,546 to decide.

How far is Philadelphia from New York?

Philadelphia, PA is approximately 81 miles from New York, NY. This is classified as a local move and the drive takes roughly 1h 42m.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Philadelphia to New York?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.