Columbia, SC to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

• Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Pittsburgh from Columbia with rent being about the same in each state.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Pittsburgh and Columbia, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there's a change in your housing needs.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 16% less in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Pittsburgh, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in Columbia. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Pittsburgh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 17% higher than in Columbia.
• Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 37%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 13% cheaper in Pittsburgh compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 56% less in Pennsylvania compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Pittsburgh's population is about 122% greater than Columbia.
• Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbia's score of 5.
• Pittsburgh is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Pittsburgh's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 37.74 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 62.26 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Columbia it's Good.

• HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Greenfield
• Oakland
• Polish Hill
• Shadyside

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Pittsburgh

With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Pittsburgh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.