($172+) Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA, runs anywhere from $179 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,565 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $718, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,565 or more.
- Moving containers run $807 - $2,193, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $179 - $385.
- 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 $1,194 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
Moving options from Newark to Harrisburg fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,194 - $3,400 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 159 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
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: $718 for a studio up to $4,565 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $807 - $2,193 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $179 - $385, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $705 - $1,842, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 159-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $718 - $4,565. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $351 - $2,340. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Newark and Harrisburg. Local movers in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $718 - $2,991
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,194 - $3,400
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,622 - $4,565
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Harrisburg, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $585 - $5,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $234 - $1,404/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $351 - $2,808 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% 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 items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,170 - $2,925 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $936 - $4,095 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $351 - $1,755 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $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?
Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,241 - $3,536. Working with a local mover based in Newark, NJ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Roadway Moving (4.78/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Newark, ranked # in New Jersey, based on our analysis of feedback from 790 customers, 92.3% of which is positive.
Address: 845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, 11232 | Founded: 2008
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, cost between $807 and $2,193. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Harrisburg. If you go over that window, storage in Newark adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $807 - $1,370
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $1,869
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,246 - $2,193
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 $807. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $987 - $1,869, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Harrisburg, PA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, range from $179 - $385 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: $179 - $290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $179 - $332
- 4+ bedrooms: $218 - $385
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $179 - $385 when pricing out a rental truck from Newark to Harrisburg. Fuel alone runs ($59 - $68) , and overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $59 - $68 for the 159-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $819.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 159-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $351 - $527 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $351.
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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $774 and $1,437.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Harrisburg:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $705 - $1,138
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $774 - $1,437
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,058 - $1,842
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 $88 - $176 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $819.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Harrisburg?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Harrisburg 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: 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 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 159-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Newark, NJ, to Harrisburg, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $718 for a studio to $4,565 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 159-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $807 - $2,193. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $179 - $385, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,194 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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
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 do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Harrisburg run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
