Key factors that impact the cost of your Lancaster to Pittsburgh movetoggle

The cost of Lancaster movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,625, while larger moves may reach $12,525 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Lancaster.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,663 to $4,241, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lancaster to Pittsburgh

Moving from Lancaster to Pittsburgh means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Lancaster than in Pittsburgh , making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Lancaster compares to Pittsburgh so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Lancaster Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $2,600 $1,500
Average home value $473,053 $222,451
Average income (per capita) $74,723 $54,306
Cost of living (single person) $2,540 $2,129
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,562 $5,011
Unemployment rate 15.6% 7.1%
Sales tax 10.25% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 42% lower than in Lancaster, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Pittsburgh .
    Home prices in Pittsburgh are 53.0% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 27.3% lower than in Lancaster, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Pittsburgh include UPMC, The PNC Financial Services Group, and Ppg Industries.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 16.2% lower than in Lancaster. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 9.9% lower than in Lancaster.
  • The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 54.49% lower than in Lancaster.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 31.71% lower than in Lancaster.
  • One perk of moving to Pittsburgh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in Lancaster.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,514.57 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lancaster.

How life is different in Lancaster vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Lancaster
Population 303,255 173,516
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 0
Walkability score 62 29
Bike friendliness score 55 40
Crime Index 37.74 45.5
Safety Index 62.26 54.5
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Pittsburgh is about 75% greater than Lancaster, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Pittsburgh offers better access to buses and trains than Lancaster, based on public transportation ratings. Pittsburgh has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 0 in Lancaster. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Pittsburgh means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lancaster. Pittsburgh is considered more walkable than Lancaster, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 29 out of 100 in Lancaster. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Pittsburgh is considered more bike-friendly than Lancaster in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Pittsburgh has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, while Lancaster is rated as 40 out of 100.
  • Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Lancaster based on scores of 37.74 and Lancaster's 45.5, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Pittsburgh than in Lancaster, based on Pittsburgh โ€™s safety index of 62.26 versus 54.5 for Lancaster. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in Pittsburgh and Lancaster is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Lancaster vs. Pittsburgh move

  • Weather: Pittsburgh summers are hot and winters are moderately cold with wide variations in temperature. Despite this, it has one of the most pleasant summer climates between medium and large cities in the U.S
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 PUCโ€™s website is no longer functioning. So if youโ€™re moving within Pennsylvania, youโ€™ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Pittsburgh

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Birmingham of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Pittsburgh .

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Pittsburgh has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Pittsburgh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, The Andy Warhol Museum, and Senator John Heinz History Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), or Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh ?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lancaster are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh ?

With many people choosing to move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Lancaster to Pittsburgh take?

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Pittsburgh , PA covers 2,409 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Lancaster movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .

Helpful moving resources