Moving from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, PA
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Quick answer: Moving from Harrisburg to Philadelphia costs between $130 to $4,670 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 106-mile route within Pennsylvania take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Harrisburg to Philadelphia
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Harrisburg to Philadelphia are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Harrisburg to driving and unloading in Philadelphia, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 106 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,300 - $3,594 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,005 - $1,853 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $137 - $212 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Maya's Movers LLC | $175/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Philadelphia?
It costs between $130 to $4,670 to move from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. The prices below break down your 106-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $689 - $4,670
- Moving containers: $816 - $2,293
- Rental trucks: $130 - $228
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $689 - $3,069 | $816 - $1,448 | $130 - $182 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,300 - $3,594 | $1,005 - $1,853 | $137 - $212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,667 - $4,670 | $1,271 - $2,293 | $152 - $228 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $175/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Harrisburg to Philadelphia
At 106 miles, your Harrisburg to Philadelphia move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Pennsylvania, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 106 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
The Armstrong Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Harrisburg to Philadelphia. They've been in business since 1950 (76 years of experience) and 90.7% of their 225 verified reviews are positive.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia to Harrisburg guide.
Considerations when moving from Harrisburg to Philadelphia
Cost of living: Harrisburg vs. Philadelphia
When comparing the cost of living between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Philadelphia stacks up against Harrisburg.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Harrisburg | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $121,765 | $231,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $47,783 | $60,698 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,849 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,612 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 41% higher than in Harrisburg. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Philadelphia are 90% higher than in Harrisburg, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 27% higher than in Harrisburg. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Philadelphia are 37% higher than in Harrisburg, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 71% higher than in Harrisburg. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Philadelphia one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Philadelphia is 21% lower than in Harrisburg. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes run 33% higher in Philadelphia than in Harrisburg, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,110 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Philadelphia
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Philadelphia vs. Harrisburg. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Harrisburg | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,099 | 1,603,797 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 53-45 | Democratic 81-18 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 26ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 26" | 13" |
| Crime index | 64.18 | 66.09 |
Philadelphia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Philadelphia is around 3101% bigger than Harrisburg. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both Harrisburg and Philadelphia voted Democratic.
- Both Philadelphia and Harrisburg average summer highs close to 87°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Harrisburg and Philadelphia experience similar winter lows, with Harrisburg reaching 24°F and Philadelphia getting down to 26°F.
- Both Harrisburg and Philadelphia see about the same yearly rainfall—Harrisburg averages 42 inches, while Philadelphia gets 47 inches each year.
- Expect more snow in Harrisburg, where it averages 26 annually compared to Philadelphia’s 13.
- Both Harrisburg and Philadelphia share similar crime rates, so you won’t notice much difference in safety between them.
Things to do in Philadelphia
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Philadelphia has you covered.
Museums in Philadelphia
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes
- Museum of the American Revolution
- The Franklin Institute
Parks in Philadelphia
- Wissahickon Valley Park
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Fairmount Park
- Love Park
- Penn's Landing
Sports teams in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Philadelphia
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Drexel University College of Medicine
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Harrisburg to Philadelphia?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, expect to pay between $633 and $2,618 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,300 and $3,594. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,667 up to $4,670 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Harrisburg to Philadelphia?
If you’re moving from Harrisburg to Philadelphia and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $554 and go up to $1,373. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,005 and $1,853. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,271 and $2,293.
How much is a moving truck from Harrisburg to Philadelphia?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $121 to $184. A larger move will cost $137 to $212, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Harrisburg to Philadelphia costs from $152 to $228.
How far in advance should I book Harrisburg-to-Philadelphia movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Harrisburg to Philadelphia at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Harrisburg-to-Philadelphia movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Philadelphia?
To save money on your move to Philadelphia, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
