Moving from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh, PA
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Quick answer: Moving from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh costs between $288 to $6,137 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 203-mile route within Pennsylvania take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Harrisburg to driving and unloading in Pittsburgh, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 203 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,575 - $4,818 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,230 - $2,140 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $295 - $555 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Maya's Movers LLC | $175/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh?
It costs between $288 to $6,137 to move from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. The prices below break down your 203-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $971 - $6,137
- Moving containers: $965 - $2,787
- Rental trucks: $288 - $639
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $971 - $3,844 | $965 - $1,726 | $288 - $469 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,575 - $4,818 | $1,230 - $2,140 | $295 - $555 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,097 - $6,137 | $1,596 - $2,787 | $353 - $639 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $175/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh
At 203 miles, your Harrisburg to Pittsburgh move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Pennsylvania, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 203 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
The Armstrong Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. They've been in business since 1950 (76 years of experience) and 90.7% of their 225 verified reviews are positive.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh to Harrisburg guide.
Considerations when moving from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh
Cost of living: Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh
The cost of living in Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Pittsburgh stacks up against Harrisburg.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Harrisburg | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $121,765 | $225,618 |
| Average income (per capita) | $47,783 | $60,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,849 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,612 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 13.4% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 25% higher than in Harrisburg. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Pittsburgh are 85% higher than in Harrisburg. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Pittsburgh, where the average salary is 26% higher than in Harrisburg, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 15% higher than in Harrisburg, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Pittsburgh? Get ready for living expenses to be about 39% higher than in Harrisburg. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Pittsburgh is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 47% lower than in Harrisburg, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- In Pittsburgh, sales taxes are 17% higher than in Harrisburg. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Harrisburg, expect to budget around $3,450 to maintain the same lifestyle in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh
As you plan your move, comparing life in Harrisburg vs. Pittsburgh is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Harrisburg | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,099 | 303,255 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 53-45 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 26" | 28" |
| Crime index | 64.18 | 37.74 |
Pittsburgh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Pittsburgh is about 505% larger than Harrisburg. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Harrisburg and Pittsburgh siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Pittsburgh and Harrisburg are nearly identical, with averages around 84°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Harrisburg and Pittsburgh experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 24°F and 21°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 42 inches in Harrisburg and 38 inches in Pittsburgh.
- Both Harrisburg and Pittsburgh receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Harrisburg averaging 26 inches and Pittsburgh seeing 28 inches.
- Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Harrisburg, with a crime index of 37.74 vs 64.18.
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Pittsburgh has something for everyone.
Museums in Pittsburgh
- Duquesne Incline
- Bicycle Heaven
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- Senator John Heinz History Center
Parks in Pittsburgh
- Point State Park
- Schenley Park
- Frick Park
- West End - Elliot Overlook Park
- Point of View Park
Sports teams in Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)
Universities in Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Mellon University]
- University of Pittsburgh
- Duquesne University
- Carlow University
- Chatham University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh?
Moving your furniture from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh with a professional moving company usually ranges from $828 to $3,177. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,575 and $4,818. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,097 to $6,137 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh?
If you’re moving from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $636 to $1,617. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,230 and $2,140. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,596 to $2,787.
How much is a moving truck from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $261 and $469. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $295 to $555. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh, rental prices generally fall between $353 and $639.
How far in advance should I book Harrisburg-to-Pittsburgh movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Harrisburg-to-Pittsburgh movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Pittsburgh?
If you want to save money on your move to Pittsburgh, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
