($1,084) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Pittsburgh

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Pittsburgh, you can expect to spend between $1,084 and $3,050. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,900 to $4,949 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Pittsburgh typically runs between $3,381 and $7,377.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Pittsburgh

When moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $643 and $1,496. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,220 to $2,370. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,605 up to $2,748. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Pittsburgh

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Pittsburgh. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $374 and $732. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $398 and $852. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $542 and $1,024.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.