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

The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Pittsburgh to Raleigh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,275, while larger moves may reach $7,131 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 Pittsburgh .
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $469 to $1,174, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Raleigh

Moving from Pittsburgh to Raleigh comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Raleigh is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , 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:

Pittsburgh Raleigh
Average rent cost $1,500 $1,670
Average home value $222,451 $431,795
Average income (per capita) $54,306 $2,572
Cost of living (single person) $2,129 $6,077
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,011 $6,077
Unemployment rate 7.1% 4.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.25%
State income tax 3.07% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Raleigh are 11% higher than in Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh .
    Home prices in Raleigh are 94.1% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • Income in Raleigh is 95.3% lower than in Pittsburgh , so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 185.4% higher than in Pittsburgh . This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Raleigh, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 21.3% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 39.44% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Raleigh are 3.57% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • State income taxes in Raleigh are 46.58% higher than in Pittsburgh .

To put this in perspective, you would need around $8,563.18 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .

How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Raleigh

Raleigh Pittsburgh
Population 467,665 303,255
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 8
Walkability score 31 62
Bike friendliness score 39 55
Crime Index 38.87 37.74
Safety Index 60.13 62.26
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of Raleigh is about 54% greater than Pittsburgh , so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Raleigh without a car might be more difficult than in Pittsburgh . Raleigh has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Pittsburgh is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Raleigh neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Pittsburgh . Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Raleigh isnโ€™t as walkable as Pittsburgh , which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Raleigh, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Pittsburgh . While Pittsburgh has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, Raleigh earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Raleigh as Pittsburgh . 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.
  • Raleigh is generally as safe as Pittsburgh , 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.
  • The air quality in Raleigh isnโ€™t as good as it is in Pittsburgh , so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Raleigh has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Pittsburgh is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh vs. Raleigh move

  • Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • 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-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in North Carolina, 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 toRaleigh Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Raleigh

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "City of Oaks" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Raleigh
  • Five Points
  • North Raleigh
  • Northwest Raleigh
  • West Raleigh

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Oakwood
  • Hayes Barton
  • North Hills
  • South Park
  • Brier Creek

Things to do in Raleigh

Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, such as the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum 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 Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful moving resources