Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Atlantatoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Harrisburg to Atlanta can be as low as $1,350 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,980.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $617 to $1,573. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Atlanta

Moving from Harrisburg to Atlanta comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Atlanta is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Harrisburg Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,900
Average home value $230,038 $388,167
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $66,107
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $3,134
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $7,822
Unemployment rate 13.4% 6.0%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.9%
State income tax 3.07% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 58% higher than in Harrisburg, which means youโ€™ll have less 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 Atlanta are 68.7% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Atlanta is 9.8% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Atlanta include Delta Air Lines, Emory University / Emory Healthcare, and The Home Depot.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Atlanta, since the cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 69.5% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Atlanta, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 116.6% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 55.22% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Atlanta, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Atlanta are 48.33% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 78.83% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,084.91 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Atlanta

Atlanta Harrisburg
Population 498,715 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 48 68
Bike friendliness score 42 57
Crime Index 64.23 64.18
Safety Index 35.77 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Atlanta's population is about 895% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's lower score of 6.
  • Atlanta is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100.
  • Atlanta and Harrisburg have a similar crime rate.
  • Atlanta and Harrisburg are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. Atlanta move

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Georgia, 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 toAtlanta Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Atlanta

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cabbagetown
  • Inman Park
  • Midtown
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Virginia-Highland

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Avondale Estates
  • Buckhead
  • Decatur
  • North Decatur
  • Poncey-Highland

Things to do in Atlanta

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

  • Arts and culture: Atlanta features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Hammonds House Museum, and Atlanta History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant 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 Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), or Atlanta United (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Harrisburg to Atlanta is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Harrisburg.

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

Because most people are moving from Harrisburg to Atlanta in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Harrisburg to Atlanta take?

The 716-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Atlanta, GA, takes one to six days. Some Harrisburg movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources