($1,128) Moving from Chicago to Harrisburg

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Harrisburg costs $542 to $5,078 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 658-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Harrisburg to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Harrisburg moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Harrisburg is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Harrisburg.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Harrisburg?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,128 - $3,339 $727 - $1,809 $478 - $913
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,141 - $5,078 $1,271 - $2,583 $542 - $1,073
4+ bedrooms $3,543 - $7,649 $1,717 - $3,380 $638 - $1,298
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 658 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Harrisburg

The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Harrisburg can be as low as $1,128 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,294.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $478 to $1,120. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Harrisburg?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Harrisburg will cost between $1,128 to $3,339. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,141 to $5,078, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Harrisburg will cost from $3,543 to $7,649.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Harrisburg?

Moving containers from Chicago to Harrisburg will cost you $727 to $1,809 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,271 to $2,583. A larger home will cost $1,717 to $3,380.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Harrisburg?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $478 to $913. A larger move will cost $542 to $1,073, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Harrisburg costs from $638 to $1,298. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Harrisburg

Cost of living: Chicago vs Harrisburg

Chicago Harrisburg
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,200
Average home value $306,098 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $73,256
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,849
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,612
Unemployment rate 9.0% 13.4%
Sales Tax 10.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 25% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Harrisburg are 24.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 11.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 84.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Harrisburg and Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 48.89% higher than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Harrisburg are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Harrisburg are 37.98% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,541.46 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Harrisburg?

Harrisburg Chicago
Population 50,099 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 68 77
Bike friendliness score 57 72
Crime Index 64.18 35.19
Safety Index 35.82 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Harrisburg is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Harrisburg is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 64.18 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 35.82 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Harrisburg

  • 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 PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Harrisburg

These are some of the best things to do in your new Pennsylvania home.

  • Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex
  • National Civil War Museum
  • State Museum of Pennsylvania
  • Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
  • City Island
  • Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
  • Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat Cruise
  • Susquehanna Art Museum

Get your sports on!

Harrisburg is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League)

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Chicago to Harrisburg is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

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

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

The 658-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Harrisburg, PA, takes one-six days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Harrisburg.

Helpful moving resources