Best Chicago to Pittsburgh Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Pittsburgh Movers Cost?

Moving 462 miles from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Pittsburgh that already have a booked job heading from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Pittsburgh from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Pittsburgh moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Pittsburgh moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Pittsburgh movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Pittsburgh move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Pittsburgh movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Pittsburgh moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 51 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Pittsburgh areas.

From these 51 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,216 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 34 state and federal moving licenses from these 51 companies and 260 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 19,122 Chicago to Pittsburgh moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Pittsburgh moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.39/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 19,794 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.13/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 7,273 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.57/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 4,262 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.39/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 7,120 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.30/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 3,742 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.65/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 10,343 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.97/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 9,764 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.12/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 18,621 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.25/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 10,808 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.93/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 2,402 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.01/10 avg (Chicago & Pittsburgh combined) from 9,870 reviews

From Chicago to Pittsburgh: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Shadyside in Pittsburgh are both known for their tree-lined streets & boutiques
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Pittsburgh's South Side both share a lakeside vibe & nightlife
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Lawrenceville in the Pittsburgh area for the artsy scene & independent shops
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's craft breweries & farmer’s markets? You're sure to love East Liberty
• Move from West Town to Garfield and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: creative community & murals
• Bucktown & Lawrenceville are both known for their galleries & coffee shops
• Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood & Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood both have boutique shopping & historic homes
• If you're moving from River North, look into South Side for the nightlife & club scene
• Do you cherish living in Hyde Park's university district & cultural venues? Move into Oakland for something similar
• The similar vibes of Andersonville & Bloomfield are both known for independent shops & ethnic eateries

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Harsher winters
• More congestion
• Greater crime rates

ProsPittsburgh, PA

• More affordable
• Milder winters
• Less traffic
• Lower crime rates

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Pittsburgh, PA

• Quieter nightlife
• Fewer job markets
• Smaller city feel
• Less public transit

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• More job opportunities
• Bigger city vibe
• Extensive public transit

Pros of moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

• Say goodbye to higher cost of living and hello to more affordable
• Look forward to moving away from harsher winters and moving to Pittsburgh with milder winters
• Swap the more congestion of Chicago for less traffic in Pittsburgh
• Get ready for lower crime rates in Pittsburgh

Cons of moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with quieter nightlife in Pittsburgh
• You'll lose out on the pro of more job opportunities and have to settle for the con of fewer job markets
• Time to bid farewell to the bigger city vibe and get used to the smaller city feel in Pittsburgh
• Swap extensive public transit for less public transit

Chicago vs. Pittsburgh: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Pierogi of Pittsburgh. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Pittsburgh residents know they have tasty Primanti Bros Sandwich and Smithfield Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pierogi of Pittsburgh. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Pittsburgh, don't wait too long before making your way to Pittsburgh's acclaimed eateries like Primanti Bros., Pamela's Diner, and Meat & Potatoes.

When comparing lifestyles, Pittsburgh shows an equal emphasis on fitness and health consciousness compared to Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Pittsburgh compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Pittsburgh.

Discover Pittsburgh Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Pittsburgh is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Portillo's in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Poulet Bleu, Cure, and Primanti Bros. in Pittsburgh. See our Pittsburgh restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Pequod's Pizza, head to Iron Born Pizza on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Pittsburgh

• The Modern and Historical Blend architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Colonial architecture typical of Pittsburgh.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference near public transportation and lake views, Pittsburgh real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to parks and neighborhood charm.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Pittsburgh is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Pittsburgh is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Pittsburgh has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Pittsburgh housing costs are 22% less expensive than in Chicago, with a median home price of $227,329 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pittsburgh have increased by 35% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Pittsburgh is 31.33% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA

1. Shadyside : You’ll love the many pet-friendly cafes and boutique pet stores, as well as expansive parks for leashed strolls.
2. Squirrel Hill : This area offers numerous walking trails and pet-friendly amenities, making it perfect for daily dog walks and socializing with other pet owners.
3. Lawrenceville : With its welcoming community and variety of pet-friendly restaurants and bars, you and your pet can enjoy a lively neighborhood atmosphere.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Pittsburgh

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Pittsburgh has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and extreme cold in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential floods and snowstorms in Pittsburgh.
• The average summer high temperature in Pittsburgh is 1 degree colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Pittsburgh

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pittsburgh tend to earn about 13% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Pittsburgh will be 22% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Pittsburgh is medium compared to medium in Chicago
• The poverty level is medium in Pittsburgh compared to high in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and moderate in Pittsburgh

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Pittsburgh

• Chicago tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is often described as majority Democratic
• Pittsburgh's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic and Jewish communities
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a large Catholic community

Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 24% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Pittsburgh compared to your Chicago daily drive. That's an annual savings of 4,160 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Pittsburgh to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Pittsburgh.