Factors that influence moving costs from Providence to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Providence movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Providence to Harrisburg might cost as little as $1,150, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,394.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Providence, 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 $405 to $997. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Providence to Harrisburg

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

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

Providence Harrisburg
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,200
Average home value $398,785 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $69,956 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,406 $3,612
Unemployment rate 8.6% 13.4%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 5.99% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 46% lower than in Providence, 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 Harrisburg.
    Home prices in Harrisburg are 42.3% lower than in Providence.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 4.7% higher than in Providence, 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 25.8% lower than in Providence. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 33.2% lower than in Providence.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 55.81% higher than in Providence.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Harrisburg, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Harrisburg are 14.29% lower than in Providence.
  • One perk of moving to Harrisburg is paying less in state income taxes, which are 48.75% lower than in Providence.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,225.03 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Providence.

How life is different in Providence vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Providence
Population 50,099 190,934
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 68 76
Bike friendliness score 57 61
Crime Index 64.18 49.84
Safety Index 35.82 50.16
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 74% less than Providence.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Providence's higher score of 7.
  • Harrisburg is less walkable than Providence with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Providence's 76 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 Providence, which has a score of 61 out of 100.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Providence with a score of 64.18 compared to Providence's 49.84. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Providence with a score of 35.82 vs Providence's 50.16.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Providence it's good.

Other things to consider for your Providence 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Pennsylvania doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Harrisburg without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Harrisburg

With your sights set on "Harrisburg", these are some of the most popular 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

Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Harrisburg. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Harrisburg, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Harrisburg Senators (Baseball-Eastern League) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 350-mile journey from Providence, RI to Harrisburg, PA typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Providence 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