Quick answer: A move from Harrisburg to San Jose costs $1,885–$8,608 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,801-mile move yourself.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Harrisburg guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

Choosing an interstate mover from Harrisburg, PA, to San Jose, CA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Harrisburg, there are 12 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.

Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Harrisburg, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Harrisburg you can trust with your Harrisburg to San Jose relocation.

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Best professional movers from Harrisburg to San Jose

Making the trip from Harrisburg to San Jose is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.

We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Harrisburg?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in Harrisburg offer each option, alongside figures for PA and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service Harrisburg (Count) Harrisburg (%) Pennsylvania (Count) Pennsylvania (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 16 94% 97 98% 2836 98%
Unpacking 16 94% 95 96% 2801 97%
Fragile-only packing 5 29% 26 26% 718 25%
Packing materials 5 29% 58 59% 1684 58%
Storage
Storage 14 82% 87 88% 2502 87%
Climate-controlled storage 3 18% 27 27% 977 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 11 65% 66 67% 1887 65%
Art 10 59% 52 53% 1401 48%
Antiques 9 53% 55 56% 1401 48%
Piano 13 76% 76 77% 2176 75%
Hot tub 3 18% 22 22% 670 23%
Pool table 4 24% 29 29% 944 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your PA to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 87 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Harrisburg to San Jose journey

Organizing a move from Harrisburg to San Jose can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Harrisburg known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Harrisburg to San Jose.

  1. Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Spirit Moving Company LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  3. The Armstrong Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Keystone Moving and Junk Removal: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  5. Charles E. Groff & Sons, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/people/Geo-W-Weaver-Son-Inc/100090270632783/?paipv=0&eav=AfamJb_pv9ffgPJWM7SohjCagQW6r-npdon84gTVF9MGbc0PAmBbKRIJ4W1rMs4KVR4&_rdr,
93% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Geo. W. Weaver & Sons Inc. means working with a team known for efficiency, professionalism, and careful service.
Out of 259 reviews, 92.7% report positive experiences, making this company a standout in the moving industry. Customers consistently mention the staff’s courtesy, professionalism, and attention to detail. Moves are often completed quickly and without issue, and communication from the office to the moving crew earns praise for keeping customers informed and at ease. On the flip side, a few clients have faced issues like damaged items, inaccurate quotes, and communication breakdowns. Complaints about property damage and unexpected costs are more frequent than with similar services. Despite some negative feedback, the vast majority of input highlights reliability, speed, and a crew that takes extra care with belongings.
Show more
Get a Quote (717) 774-7838

Company Info

State license #: 702302

Years in Business: 127

DOT #: 10676

Alternate Names: Harrisburg Storage Co., M.F. Rockey Moving Company, Penn Hershey Transfer, Harrisburg Transfer Company, George W. Weaver


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/SpiritMovingCo/,
92% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Spirit Moving Company stands out for its professionalism, attentive handling, and courteous team, according to 98 customer feedback reports. Approximately 92% of customers delivered glowing input, often praising the movers' professionalism, careful approach, efficiency, and timely completion of moves. Many also describe the staff as friendly and the booking process as seamless.
Repeat customers and strong word-of-mouth recommendations highlight a reputation many local companies do not achieve. On the negative side, about 8% experienced issues such as damage to property or belongings, missed appointments, and unresolved incidents like missing items. These negative experiences mostly relate to claims of careless handling, lack of reliability, and problems reaching or receiving response from management. Compared to the moving industry norm, Spirit Moving Company receives a notably higher share of positive mentions for professionalism and genuine care. While instances of poor outcomes exist, the majority found Spirit Moving Company dependable and highly recommend their service.
Show more
Get a Quote (717) 978-3050

Company Info

State license #: 8921736

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3214709


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/GoArmstrongLancaster/, https://twitter.com/Arm_Lancaster
91% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers often call Armstrong Relocation the gold standard of moving. Out of 225 reviews analyzed, more than 90% featured positive feedback. Most praise the team's professionalism, attention to detail, speed, careful handling, and responsive communication.
Crews consistently arrive on time, treat belongings and homes with respect, and finish quickly. Many note estimates are accurate, and several say Armstrong's pricing beats competitors. On the downside, a handful of customers report property damage and long waits for claim resolution. Some cite trouble reaching staff or unexpected extra costs. Compared with industry standards, Armstrong receives far fewer serious complaints, and its teams are routinely described as the most professional movers customers have hired. The company earns strong trust and repeat business, with negative feedback mostly centered on damage claims, rare billing issues, or isolated incidents of poor communication.
Show more
Get a Quote (717) 492-4155

Company Info

State license #: 8917264

Years in Business: 76

DOT #: 1170867

Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/keystonemoving79/,
99% of all reviews were positive
1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Five-star service shines through in nearly every piece of customer feedback for Keystone Moving and Junk Removal. Out of 190 reviews, 98.9% express satisfaction, with the team earning praise for professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, friendly attitudes, quick moving times, and fair pricing. Customers frequently describe Keystone’s staff as courteous and respectful, with movers arriving promptly and communicating clearly throughout the process.
Input emphasizes both speed and careful attention to belongings, with repeated reports of moves completed ahead of schedule and without damage. Many note the affordability compared to competitors. A few isolated complaints highlight issues with deposit refunds and pricing estimates, contrasting sharply with the consistent satisfaction elsewhere. Compared to typical moving companies—which often struggle to maintain reliability and care—Keystone stands out for delivering a pleasant, seamless moving experience nearly every time.
Show more
Get a Quote (717) 712-5094

Company Info

State license #: 8920233

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 3011826


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057717007341,
79% of all reviews were positive
20% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Charles E. Groff & Sons, Inc. for their consistently efficient service and attention to detail. Out of 133 feedback submissions, 79% gave positive ratings, a noteworthy number compared to most moving companies.
Clients often praise the movers' speed, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful attitude, especially during stressful transitions. Many highlight quick processes and movers who go above and beyond. Some clients even received services under budget. On the downside, the most common frustrations surround unfriendly or rude office staff, occasional item damage or loss, and unreturned calls or late arrivals. Despite areas needing more transparency and communication, the favorable feedback distinctly outweighs concerns, indicating Groff & Sons exceeds expectations in most relocations.
Show more
Get a Quote (717) 653-1357

Company Info

State license #: 700812

Years in Business: 76

DOT #: 396907


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to San Jose?

Harrisburg movers charge $175 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,480 - $6,119 $1,669 - $4,038 $1,687 - $3,510
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,548 - $8,608 $2,931 - $5,650 $1,885 - $3,936
4+ bedrooms $7,904 - $14,010 $3,887 - $7,707 $2,526 - $5,030
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,801 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to California will cost between $1,480 and $6,119. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to CA will range from $4,548 to $8,608, and a large move from Pennsylvania to California will cost from $7,904 to $14,010.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California

Moving containers from Pennsylvania to California will cost you $1,669 to $4,038 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,931 to $5,650. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,887 to $7,707. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,687 and $3,510. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,885 and $3,936. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,526 and $5,030.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from Harrisburg to San Josetoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Harrisburg to San Jose might cost as little as $1,480, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,085.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $1,687 to $4,362 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to San Jose

Expect higher day-to-day spending in San Jose than in Harrisburg — roughly 99% more for singles and 131% more for families.

Monthly basics come to $3,674 for singles and $8,354 for families in San Jose, versus $1,849 and $3,612 in Harrisburg.

See the detailed comparison below to budget accordingly:

Harrisburg San Jose
Average 1 BR rent $1,550 $3,027
Average 3 BR rent $1,946 $5,240
Average home value $230,038 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $83,421
Unemployment rate 13.4% 6.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.38%
State income tax 3.07% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 158% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The home prices in San Jose are 531.9% higher than in Harrisburg, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 13.9% higher than in Harrisburg. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 98.7% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 131.3% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 50.75% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 56.33% higher than what you are paying in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 333.22% higher than in Harrisburg.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Harrisburg and San Jose, from monthly bills to routine purchases.

Harrisburg San Jose
Basic utilities $160 $293.08
Cell phone plan $59.67 $48.44
Dozen eggs $4.26 $4.8
Loaf of bread $3.72 $4.93
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15 $20.5
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $65 $100
Gym membership $27.5 $123.75
  • Basic utilities cost less in Harrisburg than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Harrisburg than in San Jose.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Harrisburg than in San Jose.
  • Bread costs less in Harrisburg than in San Jose.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Harrisburg than in San Jose.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Harrisburg than in San Jose.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Harrisburg than in San Jose.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. San Jose

San Jose Harrisburg
Population 971,233 50,099
Transportation Score 7 6
Walkability score 51 68
Bike friendliness score 62 57
Crime Index 47.73 64.18
Safety Index 52.27 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of San Jose is about 1,839% greater than Harrisburg, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Harrisburg, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 6 in Harrisburg. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • San Jose neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Harrisburg. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn't as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Harrisburg in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Harrisburg is rated as 57 out of 100.
  • San Jose has a lower crime rate than Harrisburg based on scores of 47.73 and Harrisburg's 64.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Harrisburg, based on San Jose's safety index of 52.27 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in San Jose and Harrisburg is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. San Jose move

  • Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Jose without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in San Jose

Now that you've chosen Man Jose as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Burbank
  • Downtown
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Berryessa
  • Cambrian Park
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Things to do in San Jose

Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Jose From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Jose include museums and art centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to San Jose?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Harrisburg to San Jose. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Harrisburg.

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to San Jose?

Because spring and fall moves from Harrisburg to San Jose are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Harrisburg to San Jose take?

The 2,801-mile journey from Harrisburg, PA to San Jose, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Harrisburg offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Jose.

How many movers in Harrisburg can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Harrisburg, 13 movers can handle pianos. 9 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of PA, there are 76 piano movers and 55 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2176 and 1401 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources