Example household · Washington, DC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Harrisburg skyline

Uprootmap

Washington vs Harrisburg

Washington and Harrisburg

Photo: PA Uploader / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

Swap city

Other cities

So you know: homicide deaths in Harrisburg are under the US rate in this release, 4.6 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Washington to Harrisburg

In 2022-2023, 275 households filed a move from Washington to Harrisburg (about 478 people, average adjusted gross income $116,524). 309 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,115 in Harrisburg. Washington has a state tax on wages. Harrisburg has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Harrisburg is 99% of the national level for the same work, against 124% in Washington.

Harrisburg averages 197 sunny days, with July highs around 88°F and January nights around 30°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Harrisburg and 34 in Washington.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 275 households moved Washington → Harrisburg (about 478 people, average AGI $116,524). 309 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Washington and Harrisburg changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 128 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,650–$3,100
Container or pod
$1,100–$2,100
Rent a truck
$400–$750

Movers in Harrisburg and how to hire one →

Explore more

Questions

Is Harrisburg cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?

Yes. Harrisburg leaves about $994 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,115 in Harrisburg.

Does Harrisburg have state income tax?

Harrisburg is in Pennsylvania, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.

Did people actually move from Washington to Harrisburg?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.