---
title: Moving from Philadelphia to Georgia: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
description: Planning a move from Philadelphia to Georgia? Get real cost estimates, vetted movers, and a cost-of-living breakdown for this 836-mile haul.
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Philadelphia to Georgia", "Philadelphia to Georgia movers", "Philadelphia to Georgia moving cost", "moving to Georgia", "long-distance movers Philadelphia", "cost of living Philadelphia vs Georgia", "Philadelphia Georgia moving companies"]
---
# Moving from Philadelphia to Georgia: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
If you're planning a move from Philadelphia to Georgia, you already know this isn't a quick local hop. It's an 836-mile haul — long enough to make mover selection, pricing, and logistics worth thinking through carefully rather than just grabbing the first quote that shows up.
Below I'll walk you through the top Philadelphia movers for this route, actual cost ranges by home size, what life in Georgia actually costs compared to Philly, and a few logistics points that tend to catch people off guard. Use our [moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a tighter estimate once you know your home size and rough move date.
## Top Movers for the Philadelphia-to-Georgia Route
Out of 69 Philadelphia-area movers that handle interstate moves, these five rate highest for the Philadelphia-to-Georgia run. Ratings are based on verified review analysis — not paid placement.
1. **Gentle Giant Moving Company** — 4.5 / 5
2. **Transtar Moving Systems** — 4.58 / 5
3. **Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.** — 4.52 / 5
4. **Keep It Moving, LLC** — 4.5 / 5
5. **Bellhop Moving** — 4.38 / 5
Here's what you should actually know about each of them before you call.
---
### Gentle Giant Moving Company
**Philadelphia, PA** | 98% positive reviews | BBB: A+
Gentle Giant has 44 years in business and earns its reputation the straightforward way: consistent crews, transparent pricing, and jobs that often finish under the original estimate. Nearly every review highlights efficient, careful service and real communication from the crew. The rare negatives cluster around damage claims and slow resolution afterward — a common industry complaint, but it stands out here precisely because positive reviews are so dominant. If you want a mover with enough experience to have seen every curveball and still deliver, Gentle Giant is a strong option on this route.
*DOT #: 373544 | PA License #: 373544 | [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/gentle-giant-moving-company-philadelphia) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/somerville/profile/moving-companies/gentle-giant-moving-co-inc-0021-35176)*
**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, storage, crane vans
---
### Transtar Moving Systems
**Moorestown, NJ** | 92% positive reviews | BBB: A+
Transtar has been operating for 63 years and shows up well across [161 Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Transtar+Moving+Systems+Moorestown%2C+NJ&sca_esv=558787020&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH1071PH1071&biw=2048&bih=995&sxsrf=AB5stBgcwr_xJKR-7dT9d-Gmkk2d6qrMYQ%3A1692637534605&ei=XpnjZI7OJMSp2roPnOSs8Aw&ved=0ahUKEwiO9e6Xnu6AAxXElFYBHRwyC84Q4dUDCA8) and a solid [Yelp presence](https://www.yelp.com/biz/transtar-moving-systems-moorestown-2). The pattern across 257 reviews is clear: careful handling, professional crews, and stronger recommendations than most Philadelphia-area competitors. Complaints — when they appear — focus on issues during storage or delivery, and occasional billing confusion. For a straight Philadelphia-to-Georgia move without a storage stop, Transtar looks solid.
*DOT #: 939629 | NJ License #: 39PC00058806 | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/moorestown/profile/moving-companies/transtar-moving-systems-0221-80000333)*
**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes
---
### Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.
**Pennsauken, NJ** | 88% positive reviews | BBB: A+
Out of 237 reviews, 88% are positive — that's a meaningful sample. Two things stand out in Anchor's feedback: estimates that tend to match final charges (genuinely uncommon), and reviewers who name individual crew members by name, which usually signals real accountability at the ownership level. Negatives center on damage claims and occasional surprise charges. They're also DOD certified, which matters if you're relocating under a military package.
*DOT #: 125550 | NJ License #: 125550 | [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/anchor-moving-and-storage-moorestown) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Anchor+Moving+%26+Storage+Pennsauken+Township+NJ) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/nj/pennsauken/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/anchor-moving-storage-inc-0221-80001244)*
**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, shipment tracking, storage, DOD certified
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### Keep It Moving, LLC
**Philadelphia, PA** | 70% positive reviews | BBB: **Grade F**
I'll be direct: the BBB Grade F matters. Around 70% of reviews praise the crew's professionalism, punctuality, and affordable rates — genuine praise, not faint. But 26% of reviews describe property damage, significant delays, and unreturned calls after issues arise. An F rating usually signals unresolved complaints that piled up without adequate response. For a studio move with flexible timing and a tight budget, you might come out fine. For a full household with hard move-in deadlines or anything irreplaceable, I'd look at the options above first.
*DOT #: 2313514 | PA License #: 8915205 | [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/keep-it-moving-philadelphia-6) | [Google reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Keep+It+Moving%2C+LLC.)*
**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, offices, hot tubs, antiques, crating, storage
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### Bellhop Moving
**Philadelphia, PA** | 58% positive reviews | BBB: Grade C
Bellhop is a tech-forward national operation, and that cuts both ways. When a move goes smoothly, customers love the pricing and the crew's energy. But 38% of reviews report last-minute cancellations, missed appointments, and damage — at a higher rate than you'd see from established local operators. The claims process also draws consistent frustration. What I'd tell a friend: Bellhop can work well if your schedule has flexibility and your belongings aren't high-value. For a fixed move-in date or a household with antiques, lean toward one of the operators above.
*DOT #: 2878240 | PA License #: 2878240 | [Yelp reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/bellhop-moving-philadelphia-2) | [BBB profile](https://www.bbb.org/us/tn/chattanooga/profile/moving-brokers/bellhop-inc-0483-40085402)*
**Services:** Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, storage
---
For a long-haul move like this, it's also worth getting a quote from [SafeShip Moving](/company/safe-ship-moving) — they're a national operator I've seen perform consistently well on Southeast-bound routes, and they're worth including in your comparison if the local options above don't click.
## Local Moving Services in Philadelphia, PA
Among Philadelphia movers that handle interstate moves, here's how specialty services break down:
| Service | # of Movers | % Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 61 | 88.4% |
| Pianos | 53 | 76.8% |
| Antiques | 41 | 59.4% |
| Art | 37 | 53.6% |
| Small moves | 26 | 37.7% |
| Fragile-only packing | 13 | 18.8% |
If you need custom crating for art or antiques, 46 Philadelphia movers can accommodate that — but confirm your specific items before you book, not after.
## Cost to Move from Philadelphia to Georgia
Here are estimated cost ranges for an ~836-mile Philadelphia-to-Georgia move, broken down by home size and service type.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,067 – $3,854 | $748 – $1,817 | $532 – $982 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,091 – $5,400 | $1,359 – $2,497 | $562 – $1,179 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,688 – $7,389 | $1,861 – $3,434 | $726 – $1,475 |
*Estimates are based on verified rate data as of January 2026 for an ~836-mile move. Your actual cost shifts based on home size, services added, access issues at pickup/delivery, fuel prices, and timing. Get several quotes before committing.*
### Cost to Hire Movers from Philadelphia to Georgia
Studio or one-bedroom: **$1,067–$3,854**. Two to three bedrooms: **$2,091–$5,400**. Four-plus bedrooms: **$3,688–$7,389**.
Those ranges are wide because [long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) price based on weight, services, and timing — not just distance. Get at least three quotes and compare what's actually included in each, not just the bottom line.
### Cost of Moving Containers from Philadelphia to Georgia
[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) run $748–$1,817 for smaller moves, $1,359–$2,497 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,861–$3,434 for four-plus bedrooms. The container model works well on this route — you pack on your own schedule, the company drives it down, and you unload when ready. It typically costs less than full-service movers while avoiding the grind of driving a rental truck 836 miles yourself.
### Cost of Rental Trucks from Philadelphia to Georgia
[Rental trucks](/best/truck-rentals) are the cheapest option outright: $532–$982 for a studio, $562–$1,179 for two to three bedrooms, and $726–$1,475 for a larger home. These figures factor in average fuel costs. What they don't factor in is loading, driving, and unloading everything yourself across an 836-mile trip — in summer heat, if that's when you're moving. That's real labor worth pricing honestly against the savings.
## Factors That Shape Moving Costs from Philadelphia to GA
A few variables will move your number significantly in either direction:
- **Home size and volume:** More rooms and heavier furniture push costs up across every service type.
- **Time of year:** Summer is peak season. June through August means higher rates and tighter availability — book early or expect to pay more.
- **DIY vs. professional:** Container and truck rental options save money but cost you time, physical energy, and flexibility on a route this long.
## What to Know Before Moving from Philadelphia to GA
[Moving to Georgia](/movers/georgia) from Philadelphia is a meaningful lifestyle shift — and for most people making this trip, the financial picture genuinely improves once they land.
### Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs. Georgia
| | Philadelphia, PA | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,221 |
| Average home cost | $216,914 | $326,617 |
| Per capita income | $70,746 | $71,355 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.49% |
*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo*
Here's what that actually means:
- **Rent is 28% lower in Georgia.** The most immediate financial win for renters.
- **Home prices are 51% higher in Georgia.** If you're buying, run the mortgage math carefully before assuming housing will be cheaper.
- **Per capita income is nearly identical** — your earning power doesn't change much, but your purchasing power improves with a lower cost of living.
- **Georgia's overall cost of living runs about 13% lower than Philadelphia.** That compounds across groceries, utilities, and everyday spending.
- **Unemployment in Georgia (3.6%) is dramatically lower than Philadelphia (10.6%).** That's not a rounding error — it reflects a meaningfully different job market.
- **[Pennsylvania](/movers/pennsylvania)'s income tax (3.07%) is significantly lower than Georgia's (5.49%)** — roughly 79% less. Factor that into take-home pay projections before you get excited about the rent savings.
### How Life Actually Differs: Philadelphia vs. Georgia
| | Philadelphia, PA | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 11,029,227 |
| Political lean | Democrat 81–18 | Democrat 51–49 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Winter low | 26°F | 33°F |
| Annual rain | 47" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 13" | 1" |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 20.58 |
*Sources: US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces*
A few things worth flagging:
- **Summers are hotter and more humid in Georgia.** Metro Atlanta and the coast both run heavy humidity from June through September. It's not just a few extra degrees — the heat feels different.
- **Winters are noticeably milder.** Georgia averages about 1 inch of snow per year versus Philadelphia's 13 inches. Smaller heating bills, no shoveling.
- **Annual rainfall is comparable** — 50 inches in Georgia vs. 47 in Philadelphia — but the pattern shifts. Georgia gets more summer thunderstorms; Philadelphia's rain tends to come in steadier, colder stretches.
- **Crime is significantly lower** in Georgia (index 20.58 vs. Philadelphia's 66.09). That said, Georgia is an entire state — crime rates vary considerably depending on whether you land in Atlanta, Savannah, or a smaller suburban area.
- **Georgia is politically competitive** in a way Philadelphia is not. Worth knowing if community feel matters to where you plant yourself.
### Other Logistics to Sort Before Moving to Georgia
A few practical items that don't fit neatly into a cost comparison:
- **HOA rules:** Check community regulations before move-in day. Some HOAs restrict moving hours, require truck insurance certificates, or limit where vehicles can park.
- **Elevator reservations:** If you're moving into or out of a building with a freight elevator, reserve it in advance — it's often first-come, first-served.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Philadelphia neighborhoods require permits for moving trucks. Check with the city before your move date, not the morning of.
- **Georgia mover licensing:** Moving companies operating in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Verify your mover's license on the state regulator's site before signing anything.
- **No moving permit required in Georgia**, but check local parking rules for your specific destination city before move day.
- **USPS change of address:** Submit at least a week before your move date at usps.com so mail forwarding starts on time.
- **Moving insurance:** Released Value Protection comes standard from movers at no extra charge, but covers only 60 cents per pound per item. If something expensive breaks, that's not nearly enough. Ask your mover about full-value coverage, or look into a third-party policy.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to stay organized and avoid the last-minute scramble.
### Things to Do in Georgia
Once you're settled, you'll have plenty to explore.
#### Museums in Georgia
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
- Augusta Canal Discovery Center
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
- Hay House
#### Parks in Georgia
- Amicalola Falls State Park
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
#### Sports Teams in Georgia
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
- Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
- Atlanta Blaze (MLL)
#### Universities in Georgia
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Emory University
- Kennesaw State University
## FAQ
### How long does a move from Philadelphia to Georgia take?
Most moves on this route take **two to seven days** depending on the service and time of year. Full-service movers can sometimes turn it faster, but summer moves are prone to delays — demand compresses schedules. Always ask your mover for a written delivery window before you sign. "We'll try to get there by Thursday" is not a delivery window.
### How many Philadelphia movers handle custom crating for art or antiques?
46 movers in the Philadelphia area offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or specialty items — art, antiques, electronics. If you have items that need it, confirm capability and get crating costs itemized in the quote. Not every company that offers crating does it at the same level.
### What's the best way to ship a car from Philadelphia to Georgia?
Use a dedicated [auto transport](/best/car-shipping) company rather than driving a second vehicle down yourself. Look for carriers registered with the FMCSA, enclosed transport options for higher-value vehicles, and clear insurance documentation. Get at least two quotes — rates vary more than people expect.
### Why are people moving from Philadelphia to Georgia?
Economic opportunity and cost of living are the two most common reasons. Georgia's job market is significantly tighter than Philadelphia's — 3.6% vs. 10.6% unemployment — and the overall cost of living is about 13% lower. Atlanta in particular has become a major hub for tech, film production, and logistics over the last decade.
### Can I pay for my Philadelphia-to-Georgia move with cash?
30 movers in the Philadelphia area accept cash. That said, I'd generally advise against it for long-distance moves — credit card or check gives you a paper trail if something goes wrong. Expect a deposit at booking, with the remainder due at pickup or delivery. Confirm timing and accepted payment methods in writing before move day.
### Where can I find vetted long-distance movers in Philadelphia?
Check our full list of [long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) for operators that consistently handle interstate routes from the Philadelphia area.
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## Helpful Resources
- [Moving to Georgia](/movers/georgia) — state-level mover listings and tips
- [Pennsylvania movers](/movers/pennsylvania) — if you need local Philly help on the front end
- [Atlanta to Philadelphia movers](/movers/atlanta-to-philadelphia) — planning the reverse trip
- [Moving cost calculator](/calculator) — estimate your specific move
- [Moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) — stay organized through the whole process
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*Compare quotes from at least three Philadelphia movers before committing. Rates on this route vary widely, and a few calls can save you several hundred dollars.*
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