Best Detroit to Pittsburgh Movers

How Much Do Detroit to Pittsburgh Movers Cost?

Moving 286 miles from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Pittsburgh from Detroit 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 Detroit to Pittsburgh moving option

Hire local Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit, MI to Pittsburgh, PA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 31 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Detroit and Pittsburgh areas.

From these 31 companies, we analyzed a total of 4,990 reviews dating all the way back to August 2008.

We also reviewed a total of 11 state and federal moving licenses from these 31 companies and 154 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~4,000 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 1,930 Detroit 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.

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Detroit 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.

8.41/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 3,422 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.22/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 1,107 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.67/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 710 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.26/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 1,198 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.12/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 475 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.54/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 1,290 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.92/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 1,947 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.12/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 3,453 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.16/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 2,046 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.74/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 462 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.89/10 avg (Detroit & Pittsburgh combined) from 1,660 reviews

From Detroit to Pittsburgh: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Corktown in Detroit & Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh are both known for their: historic district with renovated rowhouses and craft breweries
• Detroit's Downtown neighborhood & Pittsburgh's Downtown both share: central business district with theaters and dining options
• If you're moving from Midtown, check out Oakland in the Pittsburgh area for the: cultural and university hub with museums and nightlife
• Do you enjoy Eastern Market's daytime market area with specialty shops and food stalls? You're sure to love Strip District
• Move from Indian Village to Shadyside and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: tree-lined streets with Victorian homes and boutique shops
• West Village & Bloomfield are both known for their: brick streets with rowhouses and neighborhood eateries
• Detroit's Boston Edison neighborhood & Pittsburgh's Allegheny West neighborhood both have: historic mansion district with grand architecture
• If you're moving from Palmer Woods, look into Highland Park for the: early 20th-century homes on large lots near green space
• Do you cherish living in Rosedale Park's quiet residential area with bungalow-style single-family homes? Move into Brookline for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Pittsburgh

ConsDetroit, MI

• Higher crime rate
• Economic instability
• Lower quality schools

ProsPittsburgh, PA

• Safer neighborhoods
• Stronger job market
• Higher ranking schools

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Pittsburgh, PA

• Higher living costs
• Smaller cultural scene
• Lesser music venues

Detroit, MI

• Affordable housing
• Richer in history
• Vibrant music scene

Pros of moving from Detroit to Pittsburgh

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to safer neighborhoods
• Look forward to moving away from economic instability and moving to Pittsburgh with a stronger job market
• Swap the lower quality schools of Detroit for higher ranking schools in Pittsburgh

Cons of moving from Detroit to Pittsburgh

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Detroit to live with higher living costs in Pittsburgh
• You'll lose out on the pro of being richer in history and have to settle with the con of a smaller cultural scene
• Time to bid farewell to a vibrant music scene and get used to fewer music venues in Pittsburgh

Detroit vs. Pittsburgh: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Detroit to Pittsburgh, you will be trading the iconic Coney Dog of Detroit for the equally delicious Pierogi of Pittsburgh. And while the locals in Detroit rave about their flavorful Detroit-Style Pizza and sumptuous Shawarma, Pittsburgh residents know they have tasty Primanti Bros. Sandwich and Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Kebabs 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 Detroit eateries like American Coney Island, Slows Bar BQ, and Buddy's Pizza. 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 Church Brew Works.

When comparing lifestyles, Pittsburgh shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Detroit. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Pittsburgh compared to what you are used to in Detroit. 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 Detroit favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Selden Standard, Slows BBQ, and Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, we're sure you'll love Eleven, Pork & Beans, and Franktuary in Pittsburgh. See our Pittsburgh restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Detroit hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Supino Pizzeria, head to Pizzeria Davide on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Detroit and Pittsburgh

• The Tudor and Bungalow architecture that Detroit is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Pittsburgh.
• Compared to Detroit's real estate listings, which commonly reference renovated kitchens and open floor plans, Pittsburgh real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and spacious backyards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pittsburgh is more walkable than Detroit.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Detroit.
• Pittsburgh has more of an urban feel than Detroit.
• Pittsburgh housing costs are 218% more expensive than they are in Detroit, with a median home price of $227,329 compared to Detroit’s $71,547.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pittsburgh have increased by 35% compared to a 60% increase in Detroit.
• Rent in Pittsburgh is 14.69% more expensive than rent in Detroit.

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 Detroit and Pittsburgh

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Detroit to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Detroit.
• Pittsburgh has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Detroit.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Detroit, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Pittsburgh.
• The average summer high temperature in Pittsburgh is 1 degree colder than in Detroit.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Detroit.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pittsburgh as it receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Detroit.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Detroit and Pittsburgh

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pittsburgh tend to earn about 60% more than in Detroit
• The COLI in Pittsburgh is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Detroit
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in Pittsburgh is higher compared to moderate affluence in Detroit
• The poverty level is lower in Pittsburgh compared to higher poverty in Detroit
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Detroit and less significant in Pittsburgh

Political and Religious Climate in Detroit vs. Pittsburgh

• Detroit tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Pittsburgh's religious environment can be described as diverse, with prominent Catholic and Jewish communities
• Detroit's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Christian population and a notable <a href="https://www.detroitcatholic.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Catholic presence</a>

Detroit vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 8% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Pittsburgh compared to your daily drive in Detroit. That's an annual savings of 1,040 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Pittsburgh to be worse than it is in Detroit.
• Public transit is more readily available in Pittsburgh.