($276+) Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $276 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,639 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 246 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $893, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,639 or more.
- Moving containers run $788 - $2,445, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $276 - $689.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,439 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving options from Arlington to Pittsburgh fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,439 - $3,884 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 26% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 80% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 246 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 2 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 246-mile route from Arlington to Pittsburgh, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $893 - $3,308, container $788 - $1,501, rental truck $276 - $525, freight trailer $769 - $1,272.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,439 - $3,884, container $1,060 - $1,980, rental truck $290 - $597, freight trailer $805 - $1,535.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,829 - $5,639, container $1,437 - $2,445, rental truck $369 - $689, freight trailer $1,172 - $2,037.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 246-mile move from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $893 - $5,639. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $406 - $2,704. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Arlington and Pittsburgh. Local movers in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $893 - $3,308
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,439 - $3,884
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,829 - $5,639
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Arlington to Pittsburgh.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Pittsburgh, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $676 - $6,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $270 - $1,622/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $406 - $3,245 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,352 - $4,056 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,380 - $13,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,013 - $1,924 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,352 - $3,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,082 - $4,732 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $406 - $2,028 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $879 - $2,704 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $406 - $20,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $406 - $4,732+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Pittsburgh?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Arlington, VA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Arlington to Pittsburgh with a local mover averages $1,382 - $3,729. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Arlington, VA can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Arlington, ranked # in Virginia, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,128 customers, 89.5% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $788 and $2,445. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Arlington typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $788 - $1,501
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,060 - $1,980
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,437 - $2,445
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Arlington, VA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $946, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $101 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $203 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Arlington, VA, and Pittsburgh, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Virginia to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $788. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,060 - $1,980.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Pittsburgh?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Arlington to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Plan on $276 - $689 for a rental moving truck on the 246-mile route from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Arlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Arlington to Pittsburgh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $276 - $525
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $290 - $597
- 4+ bedrooms: $369 - $689
Pro tip: The base rate of $276 - $689 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Arlington to Pittsburgh. Fuel ($106 - $121), lodging at around $203/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $101 and $473.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $203.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $106 and $121 for the 246-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $946 for 2 movers in Arlington, Virginia, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Pittsburgh?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Arlington, Virginia, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $805 and $1,535.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $769 - $1,272
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $805 - $1,535
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,037
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Arlington, Virginia, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $946.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $101 - $203 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Pittsburgh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Arlington to Pittsburgh, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Pittsburgh, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Pittsburgh, side by side with Arlington on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Arlington, VA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 164 | 92 |
| Average rent | $2,718/mo | $1,500/mo |
| Median home value | $866,334 | $225,618 |
| Average income | $140,160/yr | $60,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 79.15/100 | 62.26/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to Pennsylvania, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 262 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 246-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $893 for a studio to $5,639 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 246-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $788 - $2,445. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $276 - $689, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,439 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UPMC and The PNC Financial Services Group.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Pittsburgh, PA
What are the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh?
For families, Brookline, Highland Park, and Point Breeze are worth a look in Pittsburgh. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Greenfield, and Oakland tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Pittsburgh run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Arlington, VA to Pittsburgh, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $276 to $5,639, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $893 and $5,639, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.