($301+) Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $286 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,458 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 246 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 $881, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $5,458 or more.
- Moving containers run $843 - $2,588, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $286 - $700.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,418 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 Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving options from Arlington to Pittsburgh fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,418 - $4,197 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 246-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 246-mile route from Arlington to Pittsburgh, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $881 - $3,395 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($843 - $1,481), rental truck ($286 - $545), or freight trailer ($751 - $1,429). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,418 - $4,197 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $5,458.
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 Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring full-service movers from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, costs between $881 and $5,458. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 246-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $406 - $2,704, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Arlington and Pittsburgh. For a rough baseline, movers based in Arlington tend to start around $200 plus $110/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $881 - $3,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,418 - $4,197
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,036 - $5,458
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 Arlington to Pittsburgh.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Virginia to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Arlington 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 packing100% of local movers | $676 - $6,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $270 - $1,622/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,245 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,352 - $4,056 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,380 - $13,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,013 - $1,924 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,352 - $3,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $1,082 - $4,732 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $406 - $2,028 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: BoxStar Movers | $879 - $2,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,732+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Pittsburgh?
Movers licensed to operate in Pennsylvania are typically members of the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Pittsburgh with a local mover averages $1,446 - $4,280. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Arlington, VA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Arlington, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $843 and $2,588. 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 Arlington adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $843 - $1,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $2,053
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,588
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 Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $946, 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 $101 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $203 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, 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 Virginia 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 $843. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,055 - $2,053, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Arlington 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- My Pro Movers (5.0/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
A rental truck for this 246-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, costs between $286 and $700. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Arlington to Pittsburgh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $286 - $545
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $326 - $601
- 4+ bedrooms: $394 - $700
Pro tip: The base rate of $286 - $700 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Pittsburgh. Fuel ($106 - $121) , lodging at around $203/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $946.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $106 - $121 for the 246-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 $81 and $439, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $203 per night for hotel stops on the 246-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $406 - $608.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington 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 Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $923 and $1,709.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $751 - $1,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $923 - $1,709
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,193 - $2,049
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $946.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $203 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Pittsburgh?
- 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.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Pittsburgh, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 92 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $225,618 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $60,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 62.26/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Virginia to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 104 movers in Virginia, so you have real options to compare for this 246-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $881 - $5,458 on the 246-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $843 - $2,588 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $286 - $700 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,418 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UPMC and The PNC Financial Services Group.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What is the best time of year to move from Arlington, VA 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 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 3 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 79.15 and 15.67 in Arlington. 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 Arlington, VA 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 $326 - $601. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
