Factors that influence moving costs from Lancaster to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Lancaster to Harrisburg might cost as little as $1,498, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $13,083.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Lancaster, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,804 to $4,387. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Harrisburg

Moving from Lancaster to Harrisburg means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Lancaster than in Harrisburg, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Lancaster compares to Harrisburg so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lancaster Harrisburg
Average rent cost $2,600 $1,200
Average home value $473,053 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $74,723 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $2,540 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,562 $3,612
Unemployment rate 15.6% 13.4%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 54% lower than in Lancaster, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Harrisburg are 51.4% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 2.0% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Harrisburg include Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management LLC, and AmeriHealth Caritas PA.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 27.2% lower than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 35.1% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 14.10% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Harrisburg, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Harrisburg are 41.46% lower than in Lancaster.
  • One perk of moving to Harrisburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,183.86 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Lancaster
Population 50,099 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 0
Walkability score 68 29
Bike friendliness score 57 40
Crime Index 64.18 45.5
Safety Index 35.82 54.5
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 71% less than Lancaster.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Lancaster's lower score of 0.
  • Harrisburg is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Lancaster with a score of 64.18 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 35.82 vs Lancaster's 54.5.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Lancaster it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Harrisburg move

  • Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Harrisburg, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Consider these months in your plans in moving to Harrisburg.
  • 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: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania 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 Harrisburg. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Harrisburg

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Midtown
  • SoMa
  • Capitol District
  • Downtown Harrisburg
  • Allison Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bellevue Park
  • Uptown
  • Olde Uptown
  • Riverside
  • Camp Curtin

Things to do in Harrisburg

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

  • Arts and culture: Harrisburg features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial 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 Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lancaster.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lancaster to Harrisburg, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Lancaster to Harrisburg take?

The 2,592-mile journey from Lancaster, CA to Harrisburg, PA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Lancaster offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Harrisburg.

Helpful moving resources