Factors that influence moving costs from Gainesville to Harrisburg
What to know before moving from Gainesville to Harrisburg
Moving from Gainesville to Harrisburg comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Harrisburg is generally more expensive than Gainesville, itโs 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:
Gainesville | Harrisburg | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,200 |
Average home value | $288,002 | $230,038 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,013 | $73,256 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,727 | $1,849 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,491 | $3,612 |
Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 13.4% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Harrisburg are 25% lower than in Gainesville, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Harrisburg.
Home prices in Harrisburg are 20.1% lower than in Gainesville. - Income in Harrisburg is 24.1% higher than in Gainesville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Harrisburg include Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Valenti Mid-Atlantic Management LLC, and AmeriHealth Caritas PA.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Harrisburg, since the cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 7.1% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Harrisburg, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 3.5% higher than in Gainesville.
- The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 204.55% higher than in Gainesville.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Harrisburg, since the cityโs sales taxes in Harrisburg are 14.29% lower than in Gainesville.
- State income taxes in Harrisburg are 3.07% higher than in Gainesville.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,211.93 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Gainesville.
How life is different in Gainesville vs. Harrisburg
Harrisburg | Gainesville | |
---|---|---|
Population | 50,099 | 141,085 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 68 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 57 | 69 |
Crime Index | 64.18 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 35.82 | 52.61 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Harrisburg's population is about 64% less than Gainesville.
- Harrisburg's public transportation has a similar score to Gainesville.
- Harrisburg is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Gainesville's 37 out of 100.
- Harrisburg has a bike-friendliness score 57 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Gainesville, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
- Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 64.18 compared to Gainesville's 8.0. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Gainesville with a score of 35.82 vs Gainesville's 52.61.
- Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Gainesville it's good.
Other things to consider for your Gainesville 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 PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll 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
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Harrisburg has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Harrisburg is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Fire Museum, and Susquehanna Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Wildwood Park, Riverfront Park, and Kohl Memorial Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Gainesville to Harrisburg?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Gainesville to Harrisburg. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Gainesville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Gainesville to Harrisburg?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Gainesville 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 Gainesville to Harrisburg take?
The 887-mile journey from Gainesville, FL to Harrisburg, PA typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Gainesville 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.