($156+) Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH Movers
Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $152 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,540 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 133 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $682, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,540 or more.
- Moving containers run $715 - $2,141, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $152 - $317.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,229 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Pittsburgh to Cleveland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,229 - $3,275. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 133 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 133-mile route from Pittsburgh to Cleveland, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $682 - $2,839, container $715 - $1,271, rental truck $152 - $242, freight trailer $691 - $1,110.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,229 - $3,275, container $994 - $1,748, rental truck $156 - $299, freight trailer $735 - $1,357.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,564 - $4,540, container $1,266 - $2,141, rental truck $195 - $317, freight trailer $1,022 - $1,680.
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 Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
For the 133-mile move from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $682 and $4,540. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $265 - $1,768 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Pittsburgh generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Pittsburgh to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $682 - $2,839
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,229 - $3,275
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,564 - $4,540
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 Pittsburgh to Cleveland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 73% of Pittsburgh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cleveland, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing91% of local movers | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready73% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $884 - $2,652 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,210 - $8,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $662 - $1,258 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type73% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $575 - $1,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,094+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Pittsburgh to Cleveland?
All three below meet the standards set by the Ohio Association of Movers, the group most Ohio movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Cleveland with a local mover averages $1,168 - $3,112. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Pittsburgh, PA can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Pittsburgh, ranked #2 in Pennsylvania, based on our analysis of feedback from 415 customers, 50.8% of which is positive.
Address: 1200 Lebanon Road Unit 520, West Mifflin, PA, 15122 | Founded: 1981
Moving container costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $715 and $2,141. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Pittsburgh typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Pittsburgh to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $715 - $1,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $994 - $1,748
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,266 - $2,141
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland, OH. 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 $619 in Pittsburgh, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $66 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $133 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 Pennsylvania to Ohio 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 $715. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $994 - $1,748, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Pittsburgh to Cleveland?
- 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh:
- South Hills Movers (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- Diversity Moving Company (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, 25 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
Truck rentals from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio, range from $152 - $317 for the 133-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $37 - $43
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Pittsburgh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.99
| 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 Pittsburgh to Cleveland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $152 - $242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $156 - $299
- 4+ bedrooms: $195 - $317
Pro tip: A rental truck from Pittsburgh to Cleveland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $152 - $317. But once you factor in fuel ($37 - $43) , overnight lodging ($133/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $66 and $309.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $37 and $43 for the 133-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $619 for 2 movers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Cleveland?
- 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cleveland, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $796 and $1,357.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Pittsburgh to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $691 - $1,110
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $735 - $1,357
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,022 - $1,680
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $66 - $133 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, typically costs $619.
What are the best freight companies from Pittsburgh to Cleveland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Pitt Ohio (4.5/5 stars): Pitt Ohio is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Cleveland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Cleveland, OH
Day-to-day costs in Cleveland are close to what you're used to in Pittsburgh: cost of living index of 83 versus 92, with average rent of $1,295/mo compared to $1,500/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 62/100 and 62.26/100 in Pittsburgh versus 57/100 and 36.59/100 in Cleveland.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland, OH to Pittsburgh, PA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Ohio, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 106 movers licensed in Pennsylvania, useful context for sizing up this 133-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 133-mile route from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cleveland, OH, run $682 - $4,540 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $715 - $2,141, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $152 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,229, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cleveland, OH
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $682 to $4,540, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $682 and $4,540, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Cleveland?
Cleveland has a walkability score of 57 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 52, compared to 62 and 55 in Pittsburgh. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($37 - $43), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What is the best time of year to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH?
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 percentage of Pittsburgh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 73% of movers in Pittsburgh handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
