How Much Does Local Move Cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Philadelphia pricing is 12% above the national average. Updated for 2026.
Based on local labor rates, humid-continental climate conditions, and Philadelphia's healthcare-education-finance economy.See our methodology
Local Move Pricing in Philadelphia, PA
In Philadelphia, local move costs are 12% above the national average, reflecting the city's healthcare-education-finance-driven economy. The union-heavy labor market means you have decent options when shopping for quotes. Most residents with a population base of 1.6M find the pricing competitive relative to the local cost of living.
Local climate plays a direct role in local move costs here. Four distinct seasons mean year-round maintenance needs; freeze-thaw cycles damage foundations and pipes.
Market-specific factors matter in Philadelphia: historic district regulations can add 30-50% to renovation costs; strong trade unions ensure quality but higher rates.
Philadelphia has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your local move project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.
Philadelphia vs National Average
What Affects Local Move Cost in Philadelphia?
Home Size
Studio: $400-$800. 1-2 bedroom: $600-$1,500. 3-4 bedroom: $1,000-$2,500
Hourly Rate
2 movers + truck: $100-$180/hour. 3 movers: $150-$250/hour
Philadelphia Market Conditions
historic district regulations can add 30-50% to renovation costs; strong trade unions ensure quality but higher rates
Local Climate Impact
four distinct seasons mean year-round maintenance needs; freeze-thaw cycles damage foundations and pipes
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Tips to Save on Local Move in Philadelphia
- 1.Move mid-month and mid-week for the lowest rates
- 2.Pack everything yourself
- 3.Declutter before the move to reduce load size
- 4.Get at least 3 in-home estimates
- 5.In Philadelphia, verify your contractor handles local permits — the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
- 6.Philadelphia has a strong union labor market. While rates may be higher, union contractors typically carry better insurance and offer workmanship guarantees.
📈 Local Move in Philadelphia Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,142 | — |
| 2021 | $1,190 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,267 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,302 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,344 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Local Move in Philadelphia
Recent Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a local move take?
Studio/1BR: 2-4 hours. 2-3 BR: 4-7 hours. 4+ BR: 6-10 hours.
Why does local move cost different in Philadelphia than other cities?
Philadelphia's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the healthcare-education-finance economy, humid-continental climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The union-heavy labor market also influences competitive pricing.
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