Key factors that impact the cost of your Memphis to Pittsburgh move
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, itโs 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 youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll 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 youโre 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.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Pittsburgh , since the cityโs 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 youโll 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 cityโs 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 โs 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Pennsylvania, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Pennsylvania doesnโt 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 youโre settled into your new home in Pennsylvania, itโs time to get out and discover what Pittsburgh has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Pittsburgh .