Harrisburg, PA to Wilmington, DE Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Harrisburg to Wilmington typically costs $1,100–$3,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 99 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Harrisburg to Wilmington
Moving from Harrisburg, PA to Wilmington, DE typically costs $1,100–$3,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 99-mile move from Harrisburg to Wilmington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $1,206 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $1,743 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $1,282 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Harrisburg to Wilmington
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Harrisburg to Wilmington might be as low as $600, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,300.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Harrisburg.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $100 to $200 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Wilmington, DE to Harrisburg, PA guide.
Best Harrisburg to Wilmington movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Harrisburg to Wilmington
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Harrisburg to Wilmington, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best PA→DE movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 107 Pennsylvania movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- 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.
What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Wilmington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Wilmington runs about 91% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Harrisburg.
Singles spend around $3,533 in Wilmington versus $1,849 in Harrisburg; families pay $4,350 compared with $3,612.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Harrisburg | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,550 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,946 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $230,038 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,256 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,849 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,612 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 6.6% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 51% higher in Wilmington than in Harrisburg, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 34% higher in Wilmington than in Harrisburg.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 33% lower in Wilmington than in Harrisburg.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Wilmington, as the cost of living for a single person in Wilmington is 91% greater than in Harrisburg. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Wilmington, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 20% more than it is in Harrisburg.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 23% lower than Harrisburg, Wilmington boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to Harrisburg. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes are 115% higher in Delaware than in Pennsylvania. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Harrisburg and Wilmington, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Harrisburg | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $160.00 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.72 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $27.50 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Harrisburg than in Wilmington.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Wilmington
| Harrisburg | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,099 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 68 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 57 | 52 |
| Crime index | 64.18 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 35.82 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Wilmington's population is about 42% greater than Harrisburg.
- Wilmington's public transportation score is within about 5% of Harrisburg, making them very similar.
- Wilmington is more walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
- Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57.
- Wilmington and Harrisburg have a similar crime rate with scores of 67.32 and 64.18, respectively.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than Harrisburg with a score of 32.68 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in Harrisburg it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Harrisburg to Wilmington move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Delaware moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Delaware, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Wilmington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Wilmington
Ready to relocate to Chemical Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
Now that you've made the move to Delaware, it's the perfect time to explore Wilmington. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Wilmington include museums and art centers like the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Wilmington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Harrisburg to Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?
With many people choosing to move from Harrisburg to Wilmington in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Harrisburg to Wilmington take?
Covering 99 miles, the move from Harrisburg, PA to Wilmington, DE typically takes one to two days. Some Harrisburg movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Wilmington can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Harrisburg offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Harrisburg can handle specialty items for my move to Wilmington?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Harrisburg, 15 movers can handle pianos. 10 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of PA, there are 79 piano movers and 57 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
