($276+) Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $276 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,688 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 245 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 $883, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,688 or more.
- Moving containers run $787 - $2,516, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $276 - $702.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,352 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Pittsburgh to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,352 - $4,330 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 26% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 245 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 245-mile route from Pittsburgh to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $883 - $3,538 | $787 - $1,454 | $276 - $504 | $738 - $1,231 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,352 - $4,330 | $995 - $1,877 | $310 - $596 | $837 - $1,517 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,864 - $5,688 | $1,406 - $2,516 | $375 - $702 | $1,048 - $1,913 |
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 Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $883 and $5,688. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 245-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $362 - $2,416, 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 Pittsburgh and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Pittsburgh tend to start around $185 plus $75/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 Pittsburgh to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $883 - $3,538
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,352 - $4,330
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,864 - $5,688
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 Arlington.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Pittsburgh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $604 - $6,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $242 - $1,450/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,899 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,208 - $3,624 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,020 - $12,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $905 - $1,719 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Zip to Zip Moving Inc (PA) | $1,208 - $3,020 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $966 - $4,228 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $362 - $1,812 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System (PA) | $785 - $2,416 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,120+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,228+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Pittsburgh to Arlington?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Arlington with a local mover averages $1,365 - $4,373. 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 (4.62/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Pittsburgh, ranked #4 in Pennsylvania, based on our analysis of feedback from 204 customers, 34.8% of which is positive.
Address: 1200 Lebanon Road Unit 520, West Mifflin, PA, 15122 | Founded: 1981
Moving container costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $787 and $2,516. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Pittsburgh typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Pittsburgh to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $787 - $1,454
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $995 - $1,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,406 - $2,516
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Pittsburgh, PA and Arlington, VA. 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 $846 in Pittsburgh, PA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $91 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $181 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 Virginia 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 $787. 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 $995 - $1,877.
What are the best moving containers Pittsburgh to Arlington?
- 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:
- Diversity Moving Company (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.3/5), 7 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.3/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA
A rental truck for this 245-mile move from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $276 and $702. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $94 - $108
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $276 - $504
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $310 - $596
- 4+ bedrooms: $375 - $702
Pro tip: The base rate of $276 - $702 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Pittsburgh to Arlington. Fuel ($94 - $108), lodging at around $181/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $181 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $846 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 245-mile drive falls between $94 and $108, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $60 and $362 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,087 and $1,517.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Pittsburgh to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $738 - $1,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $837 - $1,517
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,048 - $1,913
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $91 and $181.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for roughly five hours typically average $846.
What are the best freight companies from Pittsburgh to Arlington?
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Pittsburgh to Arlington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Pittsburgh, PA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Pittsburgh on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Pittsburgh, PA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 92 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,500/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $225,618 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $60,187/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 62.26/100 | 79.15/100 |
| 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 Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Pennsylvania to Virginia, 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 267 movers in Pennsylvania, so you have real options to compare for this 245-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Arlington, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $883 for a studio to $5,688 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 245-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $787 - $2,516. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $276 - $702, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,352 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Arlington, VA
What are the best neighborhoods in Arlington?
For families, Arlington Ridge, Barcroft, and Chain Bridge Forest are worth a look in Arlington. If you're moving solo or without kids, Aurora Highlands, Ballston-Virginia Square, and Bluemont tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA?
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 $310 - $596. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 62.26 and 37.74 in Pittsburgh. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. 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 48% of movers in Pittsburgh handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.