Cost guide · Updated Aug 9, 2026
Moving cost in Philadelphia in 2026
A local 2-bedroom move in Philadelphia runs $850 to $2,400 in 2026 — median around $1,300 for three movers and five to six hours. Row-house staircases and a truck-parking problem are the two costs nobody quotes for: without a posted no-parking zone, the crew hand-carries your sofa from wherever they could squeeze in.
Typical range
$850 – $2,400
~$1,300 for a 2-BR local move · 3 movers, 5–6 hrs
By scope
| Scope | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-BR | $550 – $950 | 2 movers, 3–4 hrs |
| 2-BR row house or apartment | $1,050 – $1,700 | 3 movers, 5–6 hrs |
| 3-BR house | $1,700 – $2,900 | 4 movers, 7–9 hrs |
| Hourly reference | $120 – $200 / hr | 2-mover $120–160 · 3-mover $160–200 |
What swings the price
- Row-house stairs — narrow winder treads mean box springs and sofas go through a window or not at all.
- Street parking — a temporary no-parking permit is the difference between a 20-foot carry and a 200-foot one.
- The late-August university turnover around Penn, Drexel, and Temple.
- Center City high-rise loading docks with reserved windows and insurance certificates.
- Basement and third-floor storage in older housing stock, which adds a full flight at both ends.
Philadelphia specifics
The Philadelphia Parking Authority issues temporary no-parking permits for moves, and you post the signs on the block a couple of days ahead so the curb is clear when the truck shows up. Skip it and the crew parks around the corner and bills you for the long carry, which is far more than the permit costs. Ask whether your mover pulls the permit for you or whether that job is yours — good local outfits handle it, national brokers never do.
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FAQs
Do I need a parking permit to move in Philadelphia?
For most Center City, South Philly, and Fishtown blocks, yes in practice. A temporary no-parking permit from the Philadelphia Parking Authority reserves curb space so the truck can park at your door. Cost is modest and it saves you an hour or two of billable long carry.
How much do movers cost per hour in Philadelphia?
$120–$160/hr for two movers and a truck, $160–$200/hr for three. Three-hour minimums are standard, and most companies add a one-hour travel charge for the round trip from their yard.
Why do row-house moves cost more than the square footage suggests?
Because the staircases turn. A typical Philadelphia row house has a narrow winder stair that will not pass a queen box spring or a full-size sofa, so the crew either hoists through a second-floor window or disassembles. Both add an hour or more per large item.
When is the busiest moving week in Philadelphia?
The last week of August. University leases around Penn, Drexel, and Temple turn over simultaneously and every crew in the city is spoken for. Book four to six weeks ahead for that window or expect a 20–30% premium and leftover time slots.
Is my Philadelphia mover required to be licensed?
Yes for moves inside Pennsylvania — intrastate household-goods carriers hold authority from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Ask for the PUC number, and for interstate moves ask for the USDOT number instead. Either one takes a minute to verify online.
Sources
- moveBuddha — Philadelphia moving cost calculator (2026)
- Philadelphia Parking Authority — temporary no-parking permits (2025)
Related cost guides
Prices refresh quarterly. Last review: Aug 9, 2026.