Key factors that impact the cost of your Baltimore to Pittsburgh move
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Pittsburgh
Moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore than in Pittsburgh , making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Baltimore compares to Pittsburgh so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Baltimore | Pittsburgh | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,500 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $222,451 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $54,306 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $2,129 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $5,011 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 7.1% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 6% lower than in Baltimore, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Pittsburgh are 23.0% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Pittsburgh is 6.9% lower than in Baltimore, 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 4.2% lower than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 1.5% lower than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 10.13% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโs sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 16.67% higher than in Baltimore.
- One perk of moving to Pittsburgh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 46.61% lower than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,873.14 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 303,255 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 62 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 53 |
Crime Index | 37.74 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 62.26 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 48% less than Baltimore.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Pittsburgh will be about the same as it currently is in Baltimore. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Youโll find Pittsburgh to be about as walkable as Baltimore. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 62 and 64 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- Pittsburgh and Baltimore are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 55 and 53 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Baltimore based on scores of 37.74 and Baltimore's 72.72, 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 Baltimore, based on Pittsburgh โs safety index of 62.26 versus 27.28 for Baltimore. 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 PUCโs website is no longer functioning. So if youโre moving within Pennsylvania, youโll 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll 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 settling into your new Pennsylvania home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Pittsburgh has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts 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 cityโs Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End - Elliot Overlook Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Baltimore to Pittsburgh ?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Baltimore to Pittsburgh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Baltimore are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Pittsburgh ?
With many people choosing to move from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Pittsburgh take?
Moving from Baltimore, MD to Pittsburgh , PA covers 247 miles and usually takes one to two days. Need to move faster? Some Baltimore movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .