($1,104) Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Pittsburgh costs $443 to $5,288 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 461-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Pittsburgh moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Pittsburgh is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Pittsburgh .

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,104 - $2,919 $674 - $1,601 $400 - $730
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,857 - $5,288 $1,156 - $2,249 $443 - $919
4+ bedrooms $3,242 - $7,068 $1,698 - $2,912 $509 - $1,105
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 461 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Pittsburgh

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 $1,104 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,361.
  • 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 $400 to $978. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Pittsburgh will cost between $1,104 to $2,919. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,857 to $5,288, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Pittsburgh will cost from $3,242 to $7,068.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

Moving containers from Chicago to Pittsburgh will cost you $674 to $1,601 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,156 to $2,249. A larger home will cost $1,698 to $2,912.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Pittsburgh ?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $400 to $730. A larger move will cost $443 to $919, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Pittsburgh costs from $509 to $1,105. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

Cost of living: Chicago vs Pittsburgh

Chicago Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,495
Average home value $306,098 $219,919
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $54,306
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,137
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,816
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.1%
Sales Tax 10.25% 7.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 6% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Pittsburgh are 28.2% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 17.2% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 113.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 34.4% 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 into perspective, you would need around $6,404.60 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Pittsburgh ?

Pittsburgh Chicago
Population 302,971 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 62 77
Bike friendliness score 55 72
Crime Index 36.0 35.19
Safety Index 60.44 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 55 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Pittsburgh 's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 36.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 36.0% 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 60.44 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Pittsburgh is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Pittsburgh

  • 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 PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’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.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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 singles:

  • Downtown
  • Greenfield
  • Oakland
  • Polish Hill
  • Shadyside

Best neighborhoods for families:

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

What to do in Pittsburgh

These are some of the best things to do in your new Pennsylvania home.

  • South Side
  • Mount Washington
  • Monongahela Incline
  • PNC Park
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History
  • Schenley Park
  • Allegheny Cemetery
  • Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge)
  • Heinz Memorial Chapel
  • Andy Warhol Museum

Get your sports on!

Pittsburgh is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
  • Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)

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-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 .

Helpful moving resources