Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh typically costs $2,000–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 461 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh
Moving from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA typically costs $2,000–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 461-mile move from Chicago to Pittsburgh, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $1,615 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,490 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $1,915 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 04, 2026
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Pittsburgh
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,300, but larger homes can run up to $8,100.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($500–$1,200) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Pittsburgh movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Pittsburgh
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Pittsburgh, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→PA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh
Many movers find Pittsburgh easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 42% less for singles and 46% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,129 for one person in Pittsburgh versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,011 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.07% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 27% lower in Pittsburgh than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 25% lower in Pittsburgh than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 24% less in Pittsburgh than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Pittsburgh, where the cost of living for a single person is 42% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Pittsburgh could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 46% less than in Chicago.
- Pittsburgh experiences an unemployment rate that is about 21% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 32% lower in Pittsburgh than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Pittsburgh can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 38% lower in Pennsylvania compared to Illinois. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Pittsburgh
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 55 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
- Pittsburgh's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Pittsburgh is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Pittsburgh has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Pittsburgh's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 37.74 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 62.26 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Pennsylvania doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Pittsburgh smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
Now that you've chosen Birmingham of America as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, it's time to see what Pittsburgh is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Pittsburgh offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Pittsburgh are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Pittsburgh take?
A move of 461 miles from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA generally takes one to four days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Pittsburgh is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
