Key factors that influence moving costs from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salemtoggle

The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem might cost just $1,206 for a one-bedroom, but up to $6,714 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Pittsburgh , which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $453 and $1,024, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem

Moving from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem
Average rent cost $1,500 $1,300
Average home value $222,451 $248,806
Average income (per capita) $54,306 $62,431
Cost of living (single person) $2,129 $2,420
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,011 $5,265
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.0%
State income tax 3.07% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 13% lower than in Pittsburgh , 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 Winston-Salem are 11.8% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • Income in Winston-Salem is 15.0% higher than in Pittsburgh , so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Winston-Salem include Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Winston-Salem, since the cost of living for a single person in Winston-Salem is 13.7% higher than in Pittsburgh . This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Winston-Salem, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Winston-Salem is 5.1% higher than in Pittsburgh .
  • The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 26.76% lower than in Pittsburgh .
  • Sales taxes are the same in Winston-Salem and Pittsburgh .
  • State income taxes in Winston-Salem are 46.58% higher than in Pittsburgh .

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,410.05 in Winston-Salem to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .

How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Pittsburgh
Population 249,545 303,255
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 8
Walkability score 22 62
Bike friendliness score 29 55
Crime Index 32.67 37.74
Safety Index 67.33 62.26
Air Quality Good Good
  • Winston-Salem might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 18% less than Pittsburgh .
  • Getting around Winston-Salem without a car might be more difficult than in Pittsburgh . Winston-Salem has a public transportation score of 3 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.
  • Winston-Salem neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Pittsburgh . Based on its score of 22 out of 100, Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Pittsburgh . While Pittsburgh has a bike-friendliness score of 55 out of 100, Winston-Salem earned a 29. 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.
  • Winston-Salem has a lower crime rate than Pittsburgh based on scores of 32.67 and Pittsburgh 's 37.74, 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 Winston-Salem than in Pittsburgh , based on Winston-Salemโ€™s safety index of 67.33 versus 62.26 for Pittsburgh . 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 Winston-Salem and Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh vs. Winston-Salem move

  • Weather: Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.
  • 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 toWinston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • West End
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • Old Salem
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • West Highlands
  • West Salem

Things to do in Winston-Salem

Now that you've made the move to North Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem, such as the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, Kaleideum North, and Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO 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 Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA), Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East), Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL), or Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Pittsburgh .

When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem?

Because spring and fall moves from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Winston-Salem take?

Covering 400 miles, the move from Pittsburgh , PA to Winston-Salem, NC typically takes one to four days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWinston-Salem can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources