($1,117) Movers From Harrisburg, PA to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Columbus

Moving from Harrisburg to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, it’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:

• Rent prices in Columbus are 20% higher than in Harrisburg, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Harrisburg.
  Home prices in Columbus are 3.8% higher than in Harrisburg.
• Income in Columbus is 11.2% lower than in Harrisburg, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 50.6% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 100.7% higher than in Harrisburg.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 57.46% lower than in Harrisburg.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 25.00% higher than in Harrisburg.
• State income taxes in Columbus are 14.01% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,517.04 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's population is about 1,708% greater than Harrisburg.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's higher score of 6.
• Columbus is less walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
• Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 48 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 lower than Harrisburg with a score of 49.65 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 50.35 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 doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
• 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 regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\’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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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 Columbus

Now that you’ve chosen "Arch City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.

Helpful moving resources