Factors that influence moving costs from Harrisburg to Jersey Citytoggle

The cost of Harrisburg movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Harrisburg to Jersey City might cost as little as $791, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $4,775.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Harrisburg, 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 $205 to $462. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Harrisburg to Jersey City

Moving from Harrisburg to Jersey City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Jersey City is generally more expensive than Harrisburg, itโ€™s 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:

Harrisburg Jersey City
Average rent cost $1,200 $2,975
Average home value $230,038 $589,419
Average income (per capita) $73,256 $75,265
Cost of living (single person) $1,849 $4,397
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,612 $9,861
Unemployment rate 13.4% 8.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 6.63%
State income tax 3.07% 10.7%
  • Rent prices in Jersey City are 148% higher than in Harrisburg, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Jersey City are 156.2% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • Income in Jersey City is 2.7% higher than in Harrisburg, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Jersey City include Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Tokio Marine Management, and Farm Credit System.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Jersey City, since the cost of living for a single person in Jersey City is 137.8% higher than in Harrisburg. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 173.0% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • The unemployment rate in Jersey City is 38.06% lower than in Harrisburg.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Jersey City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Jersey City are 10.50% higher than in Harrisburg.
  • State income taxes in Jersey City are 248.53% higher than in Harrisburg.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,134.13 in Jersey City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Harrisburg.

How life is different in Harrisburg vs. Jersey City

Jersey City Harrisburg
Population 292,449 50,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 87 68
Bike friendliness score 64 57
Crime Index 43.21 64.18
Safety Index 56.79 35.82
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Jersey City's population is about 484% greater than Harrisburg.
  • Jersey City's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Harrisburg's lower score of 6.
  • Jersey City is more walkable than Harrisburg with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Harrisburg's 68 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City is more bike-friendly than Harrisburg, which has a score of 57 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Jersey City's crime rate is lower than Harrisburg with a score of 43.21 compared to Harrisburg's 64.18. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18%.
  • Jersey City is considered to be safer than Harrisburg with a safety index of 56.79 vs Harrisburg's 35.82.
  • Air quality in Jersey City is moderate, and in Harrisburg it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Harrisburg vs. Jersey City move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the best months in Jersey City, while January and February are the least comfortable months as these are the coldest. Plan your moves accordingly.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The stateโ€™s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in New Jersey, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toJersey City Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Jersey City

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "J.C." as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Jersey City to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Journal Square
  • The Heights
  • The Waterfront
  • Liberty Park
  • Downtown

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenville
  • Mcginley Square
  • West Side
  • Grove Street
  • Downtown

Things to do in Jersey City

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New Jersey, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Jersey City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, Novado Gallery, and DT234 Gallery & Art Studio.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Saint Peterโ€™s Peacocks (MAAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Harrisburg to Jersey City?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Harrisburg to Jersey City?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Harrisburg to Jersey City, 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 Harrisburg to Jersey City take?

The 167-mile journey from Harrisburg, PA to Jersey City, NJ typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Harrisburg offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jersey City.

Helpful moving resources