($553) Moving from Washington DC to Harrisburg

Quick answer: A move from Washington DC to Harrisburg costs $133 to $3,269 and takes one-two 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 120-mile move yourself.

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  • East coast focus
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Washington DC 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 Washington DC guide.

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The best Washington DC to Harrisburg moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Harrisburg.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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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 Washington DC to Harrisburg?

Washington DC movers charge $85 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 $553 - $2,244 $466 - $1,103 $123 - $207
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,119 - $3,269 $836 - $1,521 $133 - $245
4+ bedrooms $1,484 - $4,040 $1,151 - $2,034 $170 - $255
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 120 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 Washington DC to Harrisburg

The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Harrisburg can be as low as $553 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $3,761.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $123 to $259. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Harrisburg?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Harrisburg will cost between $553 to $2,244. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,119 to $3,269, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Harrisburg will cost from $1,484 to $4,040.

How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Harrisburg?

Moving containers from Washington DC to Harrisburg will cost you $466 to $1,103 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $836 to $1,521. A larger home will cost $1,151 to $2,034.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC 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 $123 to $207. A larger move will cost $133 to $245, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Harrisburg costs from $170 to $255. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Harrisburg

Cost of living: Washington DC vs Harrisburg

Washington DC Harrisburg
Average rent cost $2,450 $1,200
Average home value $609,175 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $635,900 $73,256
Cost of Living (single person) $1,211 $1,849
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,423 $3,612
Unemployment rate 7.0% 13.4%
Sales Tax 6.0% 6.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 51% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Harrisburg are 62.2% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 88.5% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 52.7% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 18.3% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 91.43% higher than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Harrisburg and Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Harrisburg are 46.61% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,580.51 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC compared to Harrisburg?

Harrisburg Washington DC
Population 50,099 689,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 68 77
Bike friendliness score 57 70
Crime Index 64.18 46.45
Safety Index 35.82 41.16
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Harrisburg's population is about 93% less than Washington DC.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
  • Harrisburg is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • Harrisburg is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 57 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 64.18 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 35.82 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Washington DC it's moderate.

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 Washington DC movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011
(202) 758-0213
Bookstore Movers, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
(202) 570-4697

Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Harrisburg?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Harrisburg?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Harrisburg take?

The 120-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Harrisburg, PA, takes one-two days. Some Washington DC 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