($185+) Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ Movers
Moving from Harrisburg, PA, to Jersey City, NJ, runs anywhere from $185 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,293 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 167 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 $661, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,293 or more.
- Moving containers run $764 - $2,219, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $185 - $431.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Harrisburg, PA, to Jersey City, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,238 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 Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
There are 3 main ways to move from Harrisburg to Jersey City: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,238 - $3,350. Containers cost roughly 24% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 85% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 167 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 167-mile route from Harrisburg to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $661 for a studio up to $4,293 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $764 - $2,219 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $185 - $431, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $648 - $1,741, 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 Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 167-mile move from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Jersey City, New Jersey, with costs ranging from $661 - $4,293. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $330 - $2,200. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Harrisburg and Jersey City. Local movers in Harrisburg typically start around $300 as a base rate plus $175/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Harrisburg to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $661 - $2,973
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,238 - $3,350
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,663 - $4,293
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 Harrisburg to Jersey City.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Harrisburg movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing60% of local movers | $550 - $5,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. | $220 - $1,320/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $330 - $2,640 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs41% of local movers | $1,100 - $3,300 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,750 - $11,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $824 - $1,565 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items21% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Movers & Co. LLC | $1,100 - $2,750 |
| Piano | Any piano type36% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Maya's Movers LLC | $880 - $3,850 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $330 - $1,650 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Maya's Movers LLC | $715 - $2,200 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $330 - $16,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $330 - $3,850+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Harrisburg to Jersey City?
Look for New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in New Jersey beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Harrisburg, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Harrisburg to Jersey City with a local mover averages $1,201 - $3,250. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Harrisburg, PA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
The Armstrong Company (4.66/5 stars) is a local mover in Harrisburg, based on our analysis of feedback from 268 customers, 90.7% of which is positive.
Address: 1074 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA, 17552 | Founded: 1949
Moving container costs from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $764 and $2,219. 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 Harrisburg typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Harrisburg to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $764 - $1,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $945 - $1,778
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,219
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $770 in Harrisburg, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $83 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $165 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Jersey City, NJ, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to New Jersey 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 $764. 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 $945 - $1,778.
What are the best moving containers Harrisburg to Jersey City?
- 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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg:
- Maya's Movers LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Keystone Moving and Junk Removal (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stephan's Moving (4.7/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 167 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Jersey City, New Jersey, running $185 - $431. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $58 - $67
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Harrisburg daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Harrisburg to Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $185 - $301
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $181 - $372
- 4+ bedrooms: $220 - $431
Pro tip: The base rate of $185 - $431 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Harrisburg to Jersey City. Fuel ($58 - $67), lodging at around $165/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $83 and $385.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $165.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $58 and $67 for the 167-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $770 for 2 movers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Harrisburg to Jersey City?
- 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 Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Jersey City, New Jersey, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $763 and $1,408.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Harrisburg to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $648 - $1,195
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $763 - $1,408
- 4+ bedrooms: $956 - $1,741
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $83 - $165 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $770.
What are the best freight companies from Harrisburg to Jersey City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Jersey City fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Harrisburg, PA vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Harrisburg on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Harrisburg, PA | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $121,765 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $47,783/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 68/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 35.82/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Jersey City, NJ to Harrisburg, PA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to New Jersey in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 267 movers based in Pennsylvania, handy for sizing up options on this 167-mile route.
Our take
A move from Harrisburg, PA, to Jersey City, NJ, 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 $661 - $4,293 on the 167-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $764 - $2,219, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $185 - $431. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,238 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 Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Harrisburg, PA, to Jersey City, NJ
What is the best time of year to move from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Jersey City a safe place to live?
Jersey City has a safety index of 56.79 out of 100 and a crime index of 43.21, compared to 35.82 and 64.18 in Harrisburg. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $181 - $372. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Jersey City?
For families, Greenville, Mcginley Square, and West Side are worth a look in Jersey City. If you're moving solo or without kids, Journal Square, Mcginley Square, and The Heights tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Harrisburg movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 36% of movers in Harrisburg handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.