Factors influencing moving costs from Buffalo to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Harrisburg can be as low as $950 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,516.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Buffalo, 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 $354 to $884. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Buffalo to Harrisburg

Buffalo Harrisburg
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,200
Average home value $213,418 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $63,443 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $1,022 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,645 $3,612
Unemployment rate 9.5% 13.4%
Sales tax 8.75% 6.0%
State income tax 10.9% 3.07%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices are the same in Harrisburg and Buffalo.
  • Home prices in Harrisburg are 7.8% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 15.5% higher than in Buffalo.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 80.9% higher than in Buffalo.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Harrisburg and Buffalo.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 41.05% higher than in Buffalo.
  • Sales taxes in Harrisburg are 31.43% lower than in Buffalo.
  • State income taxes in Harrisburg are 71.83% lower than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,427.59 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Buffalo
Population 50,099 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 68 67
Bike friendliness score 57 63
Crime Index 64.18 8.0
Safety Index 35.82 53.55
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Harrisburg's population is about 82% less than Buffalo.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Buffalo's lower score of 7.
  • Harrisburg is more walkable than Buffalo with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 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 Buffalo, which has a score of 63 out of 100.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 64.18 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 35.82 vs Buffalo's 53.55.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Buffalo it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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 singlestoggle

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

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

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

Things to do in Harrisburgtoggle

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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 291-mile move from Buffalo, NY, to Harrisburg, PA, takes one to four days. Some Buffalo 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

Buffalo moving services

Popular New York routes

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