($1,230) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Pittsburgh, PA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Pittsburgh

When planning a move to Pittsburgh from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,230 and $4,240. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,373 and $5,468 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,941 to $7,736.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Pittsburgh

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Pittsburgh, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $730 and $1,789. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,327 and $2,797. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,890 to $3,369. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Pittsburgh

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Pittsburgh is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $533 to $983. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $564 to $1,216, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Pittsburgh costs around $772 to $1,416.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 30% more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 16% steeper in Pittsburgh compared to Des Moines.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 7% less in Pittsburgh than in Des Moines.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Pittsburgh, with the cost of living for a single person being 13% more than in Des Moines. 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 14% higher than in Des Moines.
• Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 20%. 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 nearly equal in both Pittsburgh and Des Moines (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 30% less in Pennsylvania compared to Iowa, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Pittsburgh’s population is about 57% less than Des Moines.
• Pittsburgh’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Pittsburgh is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 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 Des Moines with a score of 37.74 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 62.26 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Pittsburgh are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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.