Factors that influence moving costs from Manchester to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Manchester movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Manchester to Harrisburg might cost as little as $1,408, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,017.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Manchester, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $463 to $1,116. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Manchester to Harrisburg

Moving from Manchester 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 Manchester than in Harrisburg, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Manchester compares to Harrisburg so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Manchester Harrisburg
Average rent cost $2,004 $1,200
Average home value $410,329 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $67,132 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $2,449 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,256 $3,612
Unemployment rate 3.8% 13.4%
Sales tax 0.0% 6.0%
State income tax 4.0% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 40% lower than in Manchester, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Harrisburg are 43.9% lower than in Manchester.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 9.1% higher than in Manchester, 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 24.5% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 31.3% lower than in Manchester.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 252.63% higher than in Manchester.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Harrisburg, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Harrisburg are 6.00% higher than in Manchester.
  • One perk of moving to Harrisburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 23.25% lower than in Manchester.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,265.01 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Manchester
Population 50,099 115,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 68 51
Bike friendliness score 57 42
Crime Index 64.18 56.09
Safety Index 35.82 43.91
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 57% less than Manchester.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Manchester's lower score of 3.
  • Harrisburg is more walkable than Manchester with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Manchester's 51 out of 100.
  • With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Manchester, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Manchester with a score of 64.18 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Manchester with a score of 35.82 vs Manchester's 43.91.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Manchester it's good.

Other things to consider for your Manchester 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”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 PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toHarrisburg 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Harrisburg

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Harrisburg" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Harrisburg to check out.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Harrisburg has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • 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 cityโ€™s Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Manchester to Harrisburg?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Manchester to Harrisburg. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Manchester.

When is the cheapest time to move from Manchester to Harrisburg?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Manchester 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 Manchester to Harrisburg take?

The 427-mile journey from Manchester, NH to Harrisburg, PA typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Manchester 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.

Helpful moving resources