Factors that influence moving costs from Baltimore to Harrisburg
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Harrisburg
Moving from Baltimore to Harrisburg means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Baltimore than in Harrisburg, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Baltimore compares to Harrisburg so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Baltimore | Harrisburg | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $230,038 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $73,256 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $1,849 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $3,612 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 13.4% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Harrisburg are 25% lower than in Baltimore, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Harrisburg are 27.2% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Harrisburg is 25.5% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Harrisburg include Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management LLC, and AmeriHealth Caritas PA.
- The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 16.8% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 29.0% lower than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 69.62% higher than in Baltimore.
- Sales taxes are the same in Harrisburg and Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Harrisburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 46.61% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,495.28 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Harrisburg
Harrisburg | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 50,099 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 68 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 57 | 53 |
Crime Index | 64.18 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 35.82 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Harrisburg's population is about 91% less than Baltimore.
- Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- Harrisburg is more walkable than Baltimore with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Harrisburg's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 64.18 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 35.82 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Harrisburg move
- Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Harrisburg, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Consider these months in your plans in moving to Harrisburg.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Pennsylvania doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Harrisburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Harrisburg
Ready to relocate to "Harrisburg"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Harrisburg has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Harrisburg is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Harrisburg?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Baltimore to Harrisburg. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Harrisburg?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Baltimore to Harrisburg, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Baltimore to Harrisburg take?
The 79-mile journey from Baltimore, MD to Harrisburg, PA typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Baltimore 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.