($389+) Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $389 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,164 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 461 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,092, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,164 or more.
- Moving containers run $907 - $2,864, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $389 - $1,004.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,753 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,753 - $4,997. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 77% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 461-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 461-mile route from Chicago to Pittsburgh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,092 - $3,647 | $907 - $1,652 | $389 - $675 | $817 - $1,459 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,753 - $4,997 | $1,231 - $2,189 | $410 - $852 | $910 - $1,769 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,381 - $7,164 | $1,573 - $2,864 | $537 - $1,004 | $1,284 - $2,199 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service movers for the 461-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,092 and $7,164. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $301 - $2,008, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,092 - $3,647
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,753 - $4,997
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,381 - $7,164
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Pittsburgh.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Pittsburgh, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Pittsburgh with a local mover averages $1,770 - $5,046. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Chicago, IL often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 178 customers, 97.2% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $907 and $2,864. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $1,652
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,189
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,573 - $2,864
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $703, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $75 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $151 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Pittsburgh, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $907. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,231 - $2,189.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Pittsburgh?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, range from $389 - $1,004 for the 461-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $147 - $168
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Pittsburgh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $389 - $675
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $410 - $852
- 4+ bedrooms: $537 - $1,004
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Pittsburgh starts at $389 - $1,004, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($147 - $168), overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $703.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $147 - $168 for the 461-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $326, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $151 per night for hotel stops on the 461-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $301 - $452.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $910 and $1,769.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,459
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $910 - $1,769
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,284 - $2,199
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $75 - $151 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $703.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Pittsburgh. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA
Chicago and Pittsburgh land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 92 in Pittsburgh, and average rent is $2,045/mo vs. $1,500/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 77 vs 62 and safety scores are 33.87 vs 62.26.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Pennsylvania, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 461-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 461-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA, costs between $1,092 and $7,164 with full-service movers, $907 - $2,864 with a moving container, and $389 - $1,004 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,753 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UPMC and The PNC Financial Services Group.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Pittsburgh a safe place to live?
Pittsburgh has a safety index of 62.26 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.74, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $410 - $852. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh?
For families, Brookline, Highland Park, and Point Breeze are worth a look in Pittsburgh. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenfield, and Oakland tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.