Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Columbustoggle

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 Columbus can be as low as $1,303 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,691.
  • 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 $697 to $1,601. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Columbus

Moving from Harrisburg to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus 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 Columbus
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,100
Average home value $230,038 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $3,834
Unemployment rate 13.4% 5.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.0%
State income tax 3.07% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 8% lower than in Harrisburg, 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 Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 31.4% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Columbus is 31.0% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 10.4% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 6.1% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 60.45% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 50.00% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 78.83% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,311.52 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Columbus

Columbus Harrisburg
Population 206,922 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 25 68
Bike friendliness score 31 57
Crime Index 72.18 64.18
Safety Index 27.82 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 313% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 31 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.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Harrisburg with a score of 72.18 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Harrisburg with a score of 27.82 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • 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 toColumbus 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 Columbus

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • MidTown
  • Uptown
  • Downtown Columbus
  • Overlook
  • Lakebottom

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Columbus
  • Brookstone
  • Green Island Hills
  • MidTown
  • Ivy Park

Things to do in Columbus

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

  • Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Flat Rock 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 Columbus Lions (NAL), Columbus River Dragons (FPHL), Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Harrisburg to Columbus 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 Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Harrisburg to Columbus 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 Columbus take?

The 822-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Columbus, GA, takes two to seven 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 Columbus.

Helpful moving resources