Factors influencing moving costs from Houston to Harrisburgtoggle

The cost of Houston 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 Houston to Harrisburg can be as low as $1,493 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,226.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Houston, 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 $1,118 to $2,760. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Houston to Harrisburg

Houston Harrisburg
Average rent cost $1,549 $1,200
Average home value $263,945 $230,038
Average income (per capita) $69,833 $73,256
Cost of living (single person) $1,112 $1,849
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,962 $3,612
Unemployment rate 4.1% 13.4%
Sales tax 8.25% 6.0%
State income tax 0.0% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Harrisburg are 23% lower than in Houston.
  • Home prices in Harrisburg are 12.8% lower than in Houston.
  • Income in Harrisburg is 4.9% higher than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Harrisburg is 66.3% higher than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Harrisburg is 8.8% lower than in Houston.
  • The unemployment rate in Harrisburg is 226.83% higher than in Houston.
  • Sales taxes in Harrisburg are 27.27% lower than in Houston.
  • State income taxes in Harrisburg are 3.07% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,988.31 in Harrisburg to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Harrisburg

Harrisburg Houston
Population 50,099 2,301,572
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 68 47
Bike friendliness score 57 49
Crime Index 64.18 63.5
Safety Index 35.82 36.5
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Harrisburg's population is about 98% less than Houston.
  • Harrisburg's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Houston's higher score of 5.
  • Harrisburg is more walkable than Houston with a score of 68 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
  • With a score of 57 out of 100, Harrisburg is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Harrisburg's crime rate is higher than Houston with a score of 64.18 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Harrisburg neighborhoods are safer than 64.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
  • Harrisburg is considered to be less safe than Houston with a score of 35.82 vs Houston's 36.5.
  • Air quality in Harrisburg is moderate, and in Houston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Houston 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.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 1,462-mile move from Houston, TX, to Harrisburg, PA, takes three to eight days. Some Houston 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