Key factors that impact the cost of your Harrisburg to St. Paul movetoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Harrisburg to St. Paul (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,394, while larger moves may reach $8,029 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Harrisburg.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $851 to $2,057, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to St. Paul

Moving from Harrisburg to St. Paul comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since St. Paul 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 St. Paul
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,350
Average home value $230,038 $278,221
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $63,483
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $3,633
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $4,290
Unemployment rate 13.4% 4.9%
Sales tax 6.0% 9.88%
State income tax 3.07% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in St. Paul are 13% 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 St. Paul are 20.9% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in St. Paul is 13.3% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Paul include Siemens, ACS Group, and 3M.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in St. Paul, since the cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 96.5% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to St. Paul, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 18.8% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 63.43% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Paul, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in St. Paul are 64.67% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in St. Paul are 220.85% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,894.54 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. St. Paul

St. Paul Harrisburg
Population 303,176 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 60 68
Bike friendliness score 64 57
Crime Index 50.86 64.18
Safety Index 49.14 35.82
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of St. Paul is about 505% greater than Harrisburg, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • St. Paul offers better access to buses and trains than Harrisburg, based on public transportation ratings. St. Paul has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Harrisburg. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • St. Paul neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Harrisburg. Based on its score of 60 out of 100, St. Paul isnโ€™t as walkable as Harrisburg, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • If cycling is your thing, St. Paul is considered more bike-friendly than Harrisburg in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, while Harrisburg is rated as 57 out of 100.
  • St. Paul has a lower crime rate than Harrisburg based on scores of 50.86 and Harrisburg's 64.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in St. Paul than in Harrisburg, based on St. Paulโ€™s safety index of 49.14 versus 35.82 for Harrisburg. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that St. Paul has better air quality than in Harrisburg. St. Paul has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Harrisburg. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. St. Paul move

  • Weather: St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Minnesota, 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 toSt. Paul Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives 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 St. Paul

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • St. Anthony Park
  • Summit Hill
  • Summit-University
  • Union Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Macalester-Groveland
  • Summit Hill
  • Highland
  • Union Park
  • St. Anthony Park

Things to do in St. Paul

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

  • Arts and culture: St. Paul features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional 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 Minnesota Wild (NHL), St. Paul Saints (MiLB), St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL), or Minnesota United FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to St. Paul?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Harrisburg to St. Paul are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Harrisburg are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to St. Paul?

With many people choosing to move from Harrisburg to St. Paul 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 St. Paul take?

Moving from Harrisburg, PA to St. Paul, MN covers 1,057 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Harrisburg movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Paul.

Helpful moving resources