($408+) Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $404 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,746 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,169, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,746 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,010 - $3,159, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $404 - $1,097.
- 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 $1,897 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
Moving options from Chicago to Pittsburgh fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,897 - $4,990 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 461 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,169 - $3,867 with full-service movers, $1,010 - $1,717 with a container, $404 - $716 with a rental truck, or $857 - $1,624 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,897 - $4,990 full-service, $1,306 - $2,321 by container, $452 - $885 by rental truck, or $965 - $1,991 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,380 - $7,746 full-service, $1,602 - $3,159 by container, $525 - $1,097 by rental truck, or $1,256 - $2,454 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 461-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $1,169 - $7,746. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $301 - $2,008. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Pittsburgh. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,169 - $3,867
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,897 - $4,990
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,380 - $7,746
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Pittsburgh, 73% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $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?
Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,879 - $4,941. 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 (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,010 and $3,159. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Pittsburgh. If you go over that window, storage in Chicago adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,010 - $1,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,306 - $2,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,159
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $703 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,010. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,306 - $2,321, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 461 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, running $404 - $1,097. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $404 - $716
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $452 - $885
- 4+ bedrooms: $525 - $1,097
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Pittsburgh looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $404 - $1,097. But once you factor in fuel ($147 - $168) , overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $151 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $326 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $147 - $168 in fuel for the 461-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $703 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $965 and $1,991.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $857 - $1,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $965 - $1,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,256 - $2,454
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $703.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $151 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Pittsburgh quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Pittsburgh, PA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Pittsburgh to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 92. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,500/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 62. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 62.26.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 461-mile move.
Our take
The 461-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Pittsburgh, PA, costs between $1,169 and $7,746 with full-service movers, $1,010 - $3,159 with a moving container, and $404 - $1,097 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 $1,897 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($147 - $168), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $151/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
