Factors influencing moving costs from Harrisburg to Charlottetoggle

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 Charlotte can be as low as $1,301 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,732.
  • 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 $479 to $1,163. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Charlotte

Moving from Harrisburg to Charlotte comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Charlotte 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 Charlotte
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,790
Average home value $230,038 $391,658
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $64,814
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $3,158
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $8,325
Unemployment rate 13.4% 3.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.25%
State income tax 3.07% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Charlotte are 49% 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 Charlotte are 70.3% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Charlotte is 11.5% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charlotte include Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Charlotte, since the cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 70.8% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Charlotte, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 130.5% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 75.37% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Charlotte are 20.83% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Charlotte are 46.58% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,123.85 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Charlotte

Charlotte Harrisburg
Population 874,579 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 26 68
Bike friendliness score 31 57
Crime Index 46.52 64.18
Safety Index 53.48 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Charlotte's population is about 1,646% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Charlotte's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
  • Charlotte is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • Charlotte 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.
  • Charlotte's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 46.52 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Charlotte is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 53.48 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. Charlotte move

  • Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in North Carolina, 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 toCharlotte Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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 Charlotte

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Belmont
  • Dilworth
  • Elizabeth
  • First Ward
  • Freedom Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Providence Plantation
  • Hembstead
  • Tega Cay
  • Sharon Woods
  • Provincetown

Things to do in Charlotte

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

  • Arts and culture: Charlotte features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Harrisburg to Charlotte 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 Charlotte?

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

The 479-mile move from Harrisburg, PA, to Charlotte, NC, takes one to four 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 Charlotte.

Helpful moving resources