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

The cost of Memphis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Memphis to Pittsburgh (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,451, while larger moves may reach $7,981 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 Memphis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $634 to $1,591, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Memphis to Pittsburgh

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

Memphis Pittsburgh
Average rent cost $1,299 $1,500
Average home value $143,715 $222,451
Average income (per capita) $48,090 $54,306
Cost of living (single person) $1,842 $2,129
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,402 $5,011
Unemployment rate 8.0% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.75% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 3.07%
  • Rent prices in Pittsburgh are 16% higher than in Memphis, 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 Memphis.
    Home prices in Pittsburgh are 54.8% higher than in Memphis.
  • Income in Pittsburgh is 12.9% higher than in Memphis, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Pittsburgh , since the cost of living for a single person in Pittsburgh is 15.6% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Pittsburgh , keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Pittsburgh is 13.8% higher than in Memphis.
  • The unemployment rate in Pittsburgh is 11.25% lower than in Memphis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Pittsburgh are 28.21% lower than in Memphis.
  • State income taxes in Pittsburgh are 3.07% higher than in Memphis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,467.43 in Pittsburgh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Memphis
Population 303,255 633,104
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 4
Walkability score 62 35
Bike friendliness score 55 41
Crime Index 37.74 77.49
Safety Index 62.26 22.51
Air Quality Good Good
  • Pittsburgh might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 52% less than Memphis.
  • Pittsburgh offers better access to buses and trains than Memphis, based on public transportation ratings. Pittsburgh has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 4 in Memphis. 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 Memphis. Pittsburgh is considered more walkable than Memphis, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis is rated as 41 out of 100.
  • Pittsburgh has a lower crime rate than Memphis based on scores of 37.74 and Memphis's 77.49, 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 Memphis, based on Pittsburgh โ€™s safety index of 62.26 versus 22.51 for Memphis. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Pennsylvania doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Pittsburgh without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Pittsburgh

With your sights set on "Birmingham of America", these are some of the most popular 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Pittsburgh has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Pittsburgh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Memphis to Pittsburgh ?

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

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

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

Moving from Memphis, TN to Pittsburgh , PA covers 769 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Memphis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .

Helpful moving resources