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

The cost of Wichita movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Wichita to Pittsburgh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,506, while larger moves may reach $8,661 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 Wichita.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $770 to $2,120, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Wichita to Pittsburgh

Moving from Wichita to Pittsburgh comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Pittsburgh is generally more expensive than Wichita, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Wichita Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $930 $1,500
Average home value $190,905 $222,451
Average income (per capita) $60,712 $54,306
Cost of living (single person) $2,107 $2,129
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,818 $5,011
Unemployment rate 5.9% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.0%
State income tax 5.7% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 61% higher than in Wichita, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
    Home prices in Pittsburgh are 16.5% higher than in Wichita.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 10.6% lower than in Wichita, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Pittsburgh , since the cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 1.0% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 13.9% lower than in Wichita.
  • The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 20.34% higher than in Wichita.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 6.67% lower than in Wichita.
  • One perk of moving to Pittsburgh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 46.14% lower than in Wichita.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,031.32 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.

How life is different in Wichita vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Wichita
Population 303,255 397,532
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 62 35
Bike friendliness score 55 44
Crime Index 37.74 49.19
Safety Index 62.26 50.81
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Pittsburgh might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 24% less than Wichita.
  • Pittsburgh offers better access to buses and trains than Wichita, based on public transportation ratings. Pittsburgh has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 3 in Wichita. 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 Wichita. Pittsburgh is considered more walkable than Wichita, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Wichita. 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 Wichita 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 Wichita is rated as 44 out of 100.
  • Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Wichita based on scores of 37.74 and Wichita's 49.19, 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 Wichita, based on Pittsburgh โ€™s safety index of 62.26 versus 50.81 for Wichita. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Pittsburgh has better air quality than in Wichita. Pittsburgh has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Wichita. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Pittsburgh . Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Pittsburgh

Ready to relocate to "Birmingham of America"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, itโ€™s time to see what Pittsburgh is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Pittsburgh include museums and art centers like 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at 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 Wichita to Pittsburgh ?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Wichita 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 Wichita to Pittsburgh take?

Moving from Wichita, KS to Pittsburgh , PA covers 1,034 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Wichita movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .

Helpful moving resources