Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Pittsburgh toggle

The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Pittsburgh can be as low as $1,307 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,165.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $469 to $1,089. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

Chicago Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,500
Average home value $295,743 $222,451
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $54,306
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $2,129
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $5,011
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.95% 3.07%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 27% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Pittsburgh are 24.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 24.1% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 66.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 7.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 21.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 31.71% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Pittsburgh are 37.98% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,989.84 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Chicago
Population 303,255 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 62 77
Bike friendliness score 55 72
Crime Index 37.74 35.19
Safety Index 62.26 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Pittsburgh 's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
  • Pittsburgh 's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Pittsburgh is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Pittsburgh has a bike-friendliness score 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Pittsburgh 's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 37.74 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 62.26 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Pittsburgh is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Pittsburgh move

  • Weather: Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S
  • 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 Pittsburgh . 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 Pittsburgh

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Birmingham of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Pittsburgh .

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • Greenfield
  • Oakland
  • Polish Hill
  • Shadyside

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Brookline
  • Highland Park
  • Point Breeze
  • Regent Square
  • Squirrel Hill North

Things to do in Pittsburgh toggle

After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Pittsburgh has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Andy Warhol Museum, and Senator John Heinz History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook 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 Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), or Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh 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 Chicago to Pittsburgh take?

The 461-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh , PA, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Pittsburgh .

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