Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Harrisburg might cost as little as $1,393, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,201.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $474 to $1,151. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Harrisburg

Moving from Detroit 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 Detroit than in Harrisburg, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Detroit Harrisburg
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,200
Average home value $73,156 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $3,612
Unemployment rate 9.06% 13.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.0%
State income tax 4.25% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 4% lower than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
    Home prices in Harrisburg are 214.4% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 94.0% higher than in Detroit, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 26.0% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 46.0% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 47.90% higher than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Harrisburg and Detroit.
  • One perk of moving to Harrisburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.76% lower than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,218.80 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Detroit
Population 50,099 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 68 51
Bike friendliness score 57 52
Crime Index 64.18 72.92
Safety Index 35.82 27.08
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 92% less than Detroit.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Harrisburg is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 64.18 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 35.82 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Harrisburg. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Harrisburg

Ready to relocate to "Harrisburg"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Harrisburg has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Detroit to Harrisburg?

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

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit 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 Detroit to Harrisburg take?

The 482-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Harrisburg, PA typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Detroit 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