Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, PA
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Quick answer: Moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh costs between $367 to $7,426 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 304-mile route within Pennsylvania take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Philadelphia to driving and unloading in Pittsburgh, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 304 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,829 - $5,419 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,284 - $2,620 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $388 - $832 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Transtar Moving Systems | $130/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?
It costs between $367 to $7,426 to move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. The prices below break down your 304-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,199 - $7,426
- Moving containers: $1,089 - $3,195
- Rental trucks: $367 - $955
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,199 - $4,008 | $1,089 - $1,887 | $367 - $661 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,829 - $5,419 | $1,284 - $2,620 | $388 - $832 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,683 - $7,426 | $1,750 - $3,195 | $494 - $955 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
At 304 miles, your Philadelphia to Pittsburgh move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Pennsylvania, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 304 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Zip to Zip Moving Inc is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 97.8% of their 278 verified reviews are positive.
More Pennsylvania moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh to Philadelphia guide.
Considerations when moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
Cost of living: Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
The cost of living in Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Pittsburgh stacks up against Philadelphia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,500 |
| Average home cost | $231,098 | $225,618 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,698 | $60,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,541 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,190 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent in Pittsburgh is roughly 12% less expensive than in Philadelphia. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Since home prices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are about the same, your housing expenses shouldn’t see much change. That means sticking to your budget will be a lot easier.
- Income is similar in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- Cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 16% lower than in Philadelphia. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 19% lower in Pittsburgh than in Philadelphia. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 33% lower than in Philadelphia, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll benefit from 13% lower sales taxes in Pittsburgh compared to Philadelphia, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Philadelphia, expect to budget around $2,520 to maintain the same lifestyle in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh
As you plan your move, comparing life in Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Philadelphia | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 303,255 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 13" | 28" |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 37.74 |
Pittsburgh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Pittsburgh is about 81% less populated than Philadelphia. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are nearly identical, with averages around 84°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 26°F and 21°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in Philadelphia, which sees about 47 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 38 inches you’ll typically get annually in Pittsburgh.
- Pittsburgh sees more snow each year than Philadelphia, averaging about 28 inches annually, while Philadelphia gets 13.
- Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia, with a crime index of 37.74 vs 66.09.
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Pittsburgh has something for everyone.
Museums in Pittsburgh
- Duquesne Incline
- Bicycle Heaven
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- Senator John Heinz History Center
Parks in Pittsburgh
- Point State Park
- Schenley Park
- Frick Park
- West End - Elliot Overlook Park
- Point of View Park
Sports teams in Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship)
Universities in Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Mellon University]
- University of Pittsburgh
- Duquesne University
- Carlow University
- Chatham University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?
Moving your furniture from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,034 to $3,501. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,829 and $5,419. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,683 to $7,426 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?
If you’re moving from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $752 to $1,728. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,284 and $2,620. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,750 to $3,195.
How much is a moving truck from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $386 and $675. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $388 to $832. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, rental prices generally fall between $494 and $955.
How far in advance should I book Philadelphia-to-Pittsburgh movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Philadelphia-to-Pittsburgh movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Pittsburgh?
If you want to save money on your move to Pittsburgh, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
