Moving to Philadelphia: Your Complete Guide
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Welcome to Philadelphia! This proud colonial city boasts cultural landmarks, outstanding sights to see, and amazing food to savor. This 340-year-old city is home to much more than just the Philadelphia Eagles and cheesesteaks. As the sixth-largest city in the United States, moving to Philadelphia requires the right steps.
At U-Haul, since the start of 2024, more than 14,000 people have moved to the City of Brotherly Love using U-Haul equipment. We can help with your next move to Philly by providing you with estimated costs, recommendations on where to live, and guidance on how to move.
Philadelphia Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Philly is only 4% more than the national average, so you won’t be breaking the bank moving here. Affordable housing means a more diverse range of residents in this city, which reinforces the idea of brotherly love; neighbors are often known for sticking up for one another and providing all they can. Philly is also relatively affordable when it comes to good food and great sports.
Housing Costs: Housing affordability is the biggest concern when making any move, especially across the country. One-bedroom apartments in Philly start at $1,400 and go up to $2,000. Two-and three-bedrooms start at $1,600 and range to $2,400. Philadelphia’s average home price is around $275,000, with a mortgage rate of approximately $1,800.
Utilities: This is a part of Philly that may end up costing you more than in other relatively similar climates. As old as Philadelphia is, it means there are many older buildings where insulation is not optimal. Heating rates are also more expensive at 20.7 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to the 17.8 cents in the rest of the country. Expect to spend more on electricity during October through April. The average utility bill ranges from $145 to $275 per month, depending on square footage and Wi-Fi plan.
Transportation: SEPTA is the nation’s sixth-largest public transportation network, with subway, light rail, trolley, bus, and high-speed rail lines. Most errands in Philly can be accomplished on foot, and it is the eighth most walkable city in the U.S. One of the biggest costs when it comes to transportation is car insurance. Car insurance rates are higher in Philadelphia due to the city's dense population, the prevalence of no-fault clauses, and the weather that impacts vehicle maintenance. If you plan to have a car, ensure this cost is included in your budget.
Where to Live in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has tons of great neighborhoods that are community-driven. As a working-class mecca, people are always looking out for each other. Downtown Philadelphia is a great place for anyone to live, and with its dense cityscape, it makes the area walkable for everyone. Philadelphia is the third most densely populated city in the nation, behind New York City and Los Angeles.
Young Professionals: One of the premier neighborhoods along the Delaware River is Fishtown. This town’s origins in colonial times were centered on fishing and serving as a hub along the river. Now it has evolved into a quiet town offering great food, art, and even a nearby casino. When the casino was built, an agreement was established to allocate a portion of the casino's earnings to local neighborhood projects.
Families/Long-term Residents: Philadelphia is known for its hustle and bustle, but only 3.5 miles outside of downtown Philadelphia is Cedar Park. This neighborhood is full of restaurants and public transportation options. With the largest farmers' market in the Philadelphia metro, this neighborhood is a great place for kids to grow up. Cedar Park is a wonderful place to call home, where residents feel a real sense of community.
Students: For students heading to one of the best schools in the country, the University of Pennsylvania, many local apartments are available just across the river and in University City. With Penn Park, Penn Park Orchard, and almost seven city blocks of campus to explore, you’ll have a fantastic college experience.
The Philadelphia Housing Market
The good news for individuals or families looking to move to Philadelphia is that the housing market is less competitive than in other, more expensive metros, such as Dallas, Charlotte, and Nashville. The average home price in Philly is only $275,000, and the market for homes isn’t all that competitive.
What This Means for You: A less competitive market means lower prices and more time to think about a home that you have your eye on. Find a reputable real estate agent and research the neighborhood you plan to move to thoroughly. Questions like “Are there any major neighborhood issues?” to ask on online forums can save you from a sorry situation.
Planning the Move to Philadelphia
The average home size in Philadelphia is only 1,280 square feet, the fourth smallest average among large metropolitan areas. What this means for incoming homebuyers is that you may need to downsize. While homes may be smaller on average, this fosters tighter-knit, more walkable communities. Centralized neighborhoods are more common and are what lead to Philadelphians looking out for one another so much.
Start Downsizing: Decluttering may feel overwhelming, but the key is to start small. Just focus on one room, and if you encounter an obstacle, write it down on a notepad and return to it in an hour.
Take Photos of the Move Out: When moving out of your current space, it is essential to ensure you’re not on the hook for anything later. This small task, which only takes around 10-20 minutes, could save you hundreds on a security deposit. Communicating with your current apartment manager or inspector about what you are responsible for during the move-out will also save you money.
Don’t be a Hero: It’s no secret that moving an entire home’s worth of belongings is a lot of work. Space out the move and give yourself time to rest. This will ensure that any move you make is safe and done with care for your belongings.
Life in Philadelphia After the Move
Make use of Philadelphia’s public transportation system, SEPTA. This service will get you where you need to go from work, to a friend’s house, or a restaurant, much cheaper than a ride-share service. Also, get to know your neighbors! The sooner you make long-lasting relationships, the sooner you’ll be able to comfortably ask if someone has a spare onion for a homemade Pico de Gallo.
Unpack Like There’s No Tomorrow: The last thing that sounds like fun is unpacking, but unpacking will save you time and money later. One of the biggest costs when it comes to a move is eating out. While it is convenient, home cooking will save you from a $30 dinner for two at a local restaurant and could be a $10 dinner for two nights from the grocery store.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Just like Philadelphia’s long colonial history, the Philadelphia Phillies are the oldest baseball team in the MLB, and the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the oldest NFL franchises. Both have amazing histories, which you can see at Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. The NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers also have the most well-known mascot in the league with Gritty. Gritty is a national icon in Philadelphia.
Moving Made Easier®
U-Haul has the largest selection of trucks for your move.
Make Moving to Philadelphia Easier with U-Haul
Keep the Elements Away: Philadelphia's climate can affect your belongings and reduce their value through humidity, heat, and cold. There are 20 climate-controlled U-Haul storage locations throughout the Philadelphia/New Jersey metro area.
Maneuvering Narrow Philly Streets: Philadelphia is renowned for its narrow roads, which were originally designed for horse-drawn carriages. Moving with a U-Box container is the antidote to these issues. U-Box containers can be delivered on a truck and conveniently placed in the size of a parallel parking space.
Move with Durability: Philadelphia is home to thousands of multiple-story duplexes and quadplexes, which means you’ll need durable boxes that can withstand an accident. Durable moving boxes, like those from U-Haul, are a smart investment when navigating tight stairwells and multi-story homes.
Avoid the Rust: Philadelphia and New Jersey are known for giving vehicles' undercarriages rust, not with U-Haul. Our trucks and trailers are routinely maintained and managed with the highest standards of care. Get a reliable truck and trailer with your move to Philly.
Avoid Moving in Tough Weather: Philly is cold in the winter and hot in the summer. DIY moves are possible, but tough. Take all that stress away with Moving Help! Moving Help Service Providers, when paired with a U-Box container or U-Haul Truck, are more affordable than full-service movers or van lines.
How is the job market in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is a growing metro area full of great opportunities; notable companies such as Comcast, Rite Aid, and Toll Brothers are all located in the city. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the top 10 universities in the country and a great employer.
What is the weather like in Philadelphia?
Pack a complete wardrobe, as Philadelphia’s range of weather goes from freezing in January and February to hot throughout June, July, and August.
Is Philadelphia affordable?
Yes! Philadelphia is extremely affordable due to its dense population, which resides mostly in duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes.