$612 Movers From Harrisburg to Washington DC

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Harrisburg, PA to Washington DC, MD averages from $145 to $3,667 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Harrisburg moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Washington DC, MD.

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

Moving from Harrisburg to Washington DC resources

Moving 119 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

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 $612 - $2,452 $583 - $1,258 $136 - $218
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,265 - $3,667 $1,005 - $1,806 $145 - $250
4+ bedrooms $1,666 - $4,511 $1,341 - $2,153 $177 - $260
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 119 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.

The cost to move from Harrisburg to Washington DC will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Harrisburg, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Harrisburg to Washington DC will cost between $612 to $2,452. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,265 to $3,667, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Harrisburg to Washington DC will cost from $1,666 to $4,511.

How much are moving container companies from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

Moving containers from Harrisburg to Washington DC will cost you $583 to $1,258 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,005 to $1,806. A larger home will cost $1,341 to $2,153.

How much is a moving truck from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $136 to $218. A larger move will cost $145 to $250, and a four-bedroom move from Harrisburg to Washington DC costs from $177 to $260. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Harrisburg to Washington DC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Harrisburg to Washington DC is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Harrisburg to Washington DC.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Harrisburg to Washington DC

Cost of living: Harrisburg vs Washington DC

Harrisburg Washington DC
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,450
Average home value $230,038 $609,175
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $635,900
Cost of Living (single person) $1,849 $1,211
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,612 $4,423
Unemployment rate 13.4% 7.0%
Sales Tax 6.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 3.07% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Washington DC are 104% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Home prices in Washington DC are 164.8% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Washington DC is 768.1% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Washington DC is 34.5% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • The cost of living for a family in Washington DC is 22.5% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Washington DC is 47.76% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Washington DC and Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Washington DC are 87.30% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,964.85 in Washington DC to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How is life different in Harrisburg compared to Washington DC?

Washington DC Harrisburg
Population 689,545 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 77 68
Bike friendliness score 70 57
Crime Index 46.45 64.18
Safety Index 41.16 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Washington DC's population is about 1,276% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Washington DC's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • Washington DC is more walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Harrisburg with a score of 70 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 57.
  • Washington DC's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 46.45 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Washington DC is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 41.16 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Washington DC is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Washington DC

  • Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Washington DC. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Harrisburg movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Spirit Moving Company LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
5040 Louise Dr # 101, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055
(717) 978-3050
Keystone Moving and Junk Removal Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
207 West Maplewood Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA, 17055
(717) 712-5094

Visit our best long distance movers in Harrisburg page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Washington DC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "DC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Washington DC.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Adams Morgan
  • Capitol Hill
  • Cleveland Park
  • Foggy Bottom
  • Logan Circle

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • AU-Tenleytown
  • Chevy Chase
  • Cleveland Park
  • Georgetown
  • The Palisades

What to do in Washington DC

These are some of the best things to do in your new Maryland home.

  • Washington Monument
  • White House
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
  • National Mall
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  • Smithsonian National Zoo
  • The Pentagon
  • Library Of Congress
  • Capitol Hill
  • Smithsonian Institution Building
  • National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden
  • International Spy Museum
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • National Museum of the American Indian & the Mitsitam Café
  • National Postal Museum
  • Penn Quarter
  • National Geographic Museum
  • National Archives Museum
  • National Museum of Health and Medicine
  • Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Get your sports on!

Washington DC is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

FAQs about moving from Harrisburg to Washington DC

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

The best time to move from Harrisburg to Washington DC is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 27ºF in Washington DC.

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Washington DC?

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

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Washington DC