Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Harrisburg typically costs $1,300–$3,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 120 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Harrisburg
Moving from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA typically costs $1,300–$3,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 120-mile move from Arlington to Harrisburg, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,031 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $1,794 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $1,980 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 15, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 27, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 02, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Harrisburg move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $700 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $100 to $300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Harrisburg, PA to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Harrisburg movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Arlington to Harrisburg
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Arlington to Harrisburg much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best VA→PA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 103 Virginia movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Harrisburg
Many movers find Harrisburg easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 73% less for singles and 70% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,849 for one person in Harrisburg versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $3,612 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,550 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $1,946 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $230,038 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $73,256 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $1,849 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $3,612 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 13.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 3.07% |
- When relocating from Arlington to Harrisburg, expect to find rent about 56% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 72% more affordable in Harrisburg compared to Arlington.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 43% lower in Harrisburg compared to Arlington.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Harrisburg, as the cost of living for a single person is 73% lower compared to Arlington.
- A move to Harrisburg can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 70% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- Harrisburg shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 235%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Harrisburg and Arlington (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 47% below those in Virginia. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and Harrisburg:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Harrisburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $160.00 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $3.72 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $65.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $27.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Arlington than in Harrisburg.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Arlington and Harrisburg.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Harrisburg.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Harrisburg.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Harrisburg.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Harrisburg
| Arlington | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 50,099 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 68 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 57 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 64.18 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 35.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Harrisburg's population is about 79% less than Arlington.
- Harrisburg's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Harrisburg and Arlington are similarly walkable.
- Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score of 57 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 64.18 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 35.82 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is Moderate, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Harrisburg move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Harrisburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Harrisburg
Planning your move to Harrisburg? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Harrisburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Midtown
- SoMa
- Capitol District
- Downtown Harrisburg
- Allison Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue Park
- Uptown
- Olde Uptown
- Riverside
- Camp Curtin
Things to do in Harrisburg
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Harrisburg has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Harrisburg features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to Harrisburg?
Planning your move from Arlington to Harrisburg? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Harrisburg?
Because most people are moving from Arlington to Harrisburg in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Arlington to Harrisburg take?
The 120-mile journey from Arlington, VA to Harrisburg, PA, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Arlington offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Harrisburg.
Are there special savings available from movers in Arlington?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Arlington?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 57 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
