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

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Raleigh to Pittsburgh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,223, while larger moves may reach $7,501 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 Raleigh.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $484 to $1,221, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Pittsburgh

Moving from Raleigh 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 Raleigh than in Pittsburgh , making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to Pittsburgh so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $1,670 $1,500
Average home value $431,795 $222,451
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $54,306
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $2,129
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,011
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.25% 7.0%
State income tax 4.5% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 10% lower than in Raleigh, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Pittsburgh .
    Home prices in Pittsburgh are 48.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 2,011.4% higher than in Raleigh, so you could earn more 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 65.0% lower than in Raleigh. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 17.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 65.12% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 3.45% lower than in Raleigh.
  • One perk of moving to Pittsburgh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 31.78% lower than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,051.01 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Raleigh
Population 303,255 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 62 31
Bike friendliness score 55 39
Crime Index 37.74 38.87
Safety Index 62.26 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Pittsburgh might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 35% less than Raleigh.
  • Pittsburgh offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. Pittsburgh has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. Pittsburgh is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Pittsburgh as Raleigh. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Pittsburgh is generally as safe as Raleigh, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Pittsburgh has better air quality than in Raleigh. Pittsburgh has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toPittsburgh Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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.

Where to live in Pittsburgh

Now that youโ€™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

Now that you've made the move to Pennsylvania, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Pittsburgh . From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Pittsburgh , such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Raleigh to Pittsburgh ?

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

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

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

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Pittsburgh , PA covers 499 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .

Helpful moving resources