($168+) Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA, runs anywhere from $168 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,010 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 159 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $684, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,010 or more.
- Moving containers run $696 - $2,152, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $168 - $382.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,137 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark to Harrisburg: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,137 - $3,207. Moving containers run about 15% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 84% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 159-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 159-mile route from Newark to Harrisburg, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $684 for a studio up to $4,010 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $696 - $2,152 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $168 - $382, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $619 - $1,654, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
For the 159-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, full-service movers cost between $684 and $4,010. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $351 - $2,340 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Newark generally start around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $684 - $2,712
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,137 - $3,207
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,545 - $4,010
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Newark to Harrisburg.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Harrisburg, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,170 - $3,510 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,925 - $11,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $876 - $1,665 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $761 - $2,340 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $351 - $17,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $351 - $4,095+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Harrisburg?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Newark, NJ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Newark to Harrisburg with a local mover averages $1,182 - $3,335. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Newark, NJ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Roadway Moving (4.72/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Newark, based on our analysis of feedback from 5,014 customers, 97.1% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 10022 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, cost between $696 and $2,152. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Newark typically runs around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $696 - $1,230
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $967 - $1,763
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,223 - $2,152
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Newark, NJ and Harrisburg, PA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $819 in Newark, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $88 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $176 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $696. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $967 - $1,763.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Harrisburg?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Newark to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, range from $168 - $382 for the 159-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $59 - $68
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Newark to Harrisburg based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $168 - $265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $178 - $310
- 4+ bedrooms: $201 - $382
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Newark to Harrisburg starts at $168 - $382, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($59 - $68), overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $819.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $59 - $68 for the 159-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $70 and $380, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $176 per night for hotel stops on the 159-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $351 - $527.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Harrisburg?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
For larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $700 and $1,328.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $619 - $1,107
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $700 - $1,328
- 4+ bedrooms: $988 - $1,654
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $819.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $176 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Harrisburg?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Newark to Harrisburg. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Harrisburg, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Harrisburg, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Harrisburg, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 90 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,200/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $121,765 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $47,783/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 13.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 68/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 35.82/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Harrisburg, PA to Newark, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Jersey alone has 315 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 159-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $684 - $4,010 on the 159-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $696 - $2,152, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $168 - $382. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,137 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management LLC.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Harrisburg a safe place to live?
Harrisburg has a safety index of 35.82 out of 100 and a crime index of 64.18, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has a walkability score of 68 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 57, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Harrisburg?
For families, Bellevue Park, Uptown, and Olde Uptown are worth a look in Harrisburg. If you're moving solo or without kids, Midtown, SoMa, and Capitol District tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.