Moving from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, PA
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Quick answer: Moving from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg costs between $266 to $5,897 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 Pittsburgh to Harrisburg
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Pittsburgh to driving and unloading in Harrisburg, 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 | $1,654 - $4,818 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,182 - $2,207 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $304 - $572 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | South Hills Movers | $75/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 Pittsburgh to Harrisburg?
It costs between $266 to $5,897 to move from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. The prices below break down your 203-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,000 - $5,897
- Moving containers: $927 - $2,815
- Rental trucks: $266 - $706
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,000 - $3,996 | $927 - $1,677 | $266 - $503 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,654 - $4,818 | $1,182 - $2,207 | $304 - $572 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,097 - $5,897 | $1,517 - $2,815 | $350 - $706 |
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 | $276 - $2,300+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $184 - $736 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $184 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg
At 203 miles, your Pittsburgh to Harrisburg 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 Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. 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
Gardner Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. They've been in business since 1921 (105 years of experience) and 90.3% of their 145 verified reviews are positive.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Harrisburg to Pittsburgh guide.
Considerations when moving from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg
Cost of living: Pittsburgh vs. Harrisburg
The cost of living in Pittsburgh vs. Harrisburg goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Harrisburg stacks up against Pittsburgh.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Pittsburgh | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| Average home cost | $225,618 | $121,765 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,187 | $47,783 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $1,849 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $3,612 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 13.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent in Harrisburg is roughly 20% less expensive than in Pittsburgh. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Harrisburg are 46% lower than in Pittsburgh, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Harrisburg is 21% lower than in Pittsburgh. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 13% lower than in Pittsburgh. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 28% lower in Harrisburg than in Pittsburgh. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Harrisburg is 89% higher than in Pittsburgh. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- You’ll benefit from 14% lower sales taxes in Harrisburg compared to Pittsburgh, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Pittsburgh, expect to budget around $2,610 to maintain the same lifestyle in Harrisburg.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Harrisburg
As you plan your move, comparing life in Pittsburgh vs. Harrisburg 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 Pittsburgh and Harrisburg to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Pittsburgh | Harrisburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 50,099 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 24ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 42" |
| Annual snow | 28" | 26" |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 64.18 |
Harrisburg sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Harrisburg is about 83% less populated than Pittsburgh. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Pittsburgh and Harrisburg siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh are nearly identical, with averages around 85°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Pittsburgh and Harrisburg experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 21°F and 24°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 38 inches in Pittsburgh and 42 inches in Harrisburg.
- Both Pittsburgh and Harrisburg receive similar amounts of snow each year, with Pittsburgh averaging 28 inches and Harrisburg seeing 26 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Harrisburg, with an index of 64.18, compared to Pittsburgh at 37.74.
Things to do in Harrisburg
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Harrisburg has something for everyone.
Museums in Harrisburg
- State Museum of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
- Susquehanna Art Museum
Parks in Harrisburg
- Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
- Wildwood Park
- Riverfront Park
- Kohl Memorial Park
Sports teams in Harrisburg
- Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League)
Universities in Harrisburg
- Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
- University of Phoenix Harrisburg Campus
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg?
Moving your furniture from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg with a professional moving company usually ranges from $828 to $3,146. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,654 and $4,818. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,097 to $5,897 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg?
If you’re moving from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $669 to $1,507. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,182 and $2,207. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,517 to $2,815.
How much is a moving truck from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg?
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 $288 and $464. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $304 to $572. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, rental prices generally fall between $350 and $706.
How far in advance should I book Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg 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 Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg?
If you want to save money on your move to Harrisburg, 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.
