Best Pittsburgh to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Pittsburgh to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 462 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Pittsburgh entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Pittsburgh to Chicago moving option

Hire local Pittsburgh 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Pittsburgh to Chicago 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 Pittsburgh to Chicago 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 51 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Pittsburgh and Chicago 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 Pittsburgh to Chicago 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 Two Men and a Truck).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Pittsburgh to Chicago 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 (Pittsburgh & Chicago combined) from 19,794 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Pittsburgh to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their: arts district, boutiques & breweries
• Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Park both share: upscale shops & dining
• If you're moving from Squirrel Hill, check out Lincoln Square in the Chicago area for the: family-friendly, tree-lined & local shops
• Do you enjoy Downtown's corporate hub, high-rises & business district? You're sure to love The Loop
• Move from South Side Flats to Logan Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: nightlife & hip bars
• Highland Park & Lincoln Park are both known for their: large green space & residential streets
• Pittsburgh's Strip District neighborhood & Chicago's West Loop neighborhood both have: historic warehouses & food halls
• If you're moving from Bloomfield, look into Lakeview for the: diverse eateries & café culture

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago

ConsPittsburgh, PA

• Smaller city vibe
• Lesser cultural scene
• Lower job diversity
• Lower public transit coverage

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger city opportunities
• Vibrant arts scene
• Greater job market
• Extensive public transportation

---

Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Less personalized
• More urbanized
• Heavier traffic

Pittsburgh, PA

• Lower cost of living
• Community feel
• More green spaces
• Easier traffic navigation

Pros of moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger city opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from the lesser cultural scene and moving to Chicago with a vibrant arts scene
• Swap the lower job diversity of Pittsburgh for a greater job market in Chicago
• Get ready for extensive public transportation in Chicago

Cons of moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Pittsburgh to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of the community feel and have to settle for the con of less personalization
• Time to bid farewell to more green spaces and get used to a more urbanized environment in Chicago
• Swap easier traffic navigation for heavier traffic

Pittsburgh vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Pittsburgh favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Primanti Bros., Pamela's Diner, and Altius in Pittsburgh, we're sure you'll love Portillo's, Ann Sather, and Alinea in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Pittsburgh hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, head to Tango Sur on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pittsburgh and Chicago

• The Victorian and American Craftsman architecture that Pittsburgh is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Pittsburgh's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and green spaces, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transportation.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Pittsburgh.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Pittsburgh.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Pittsburgh.
• Chicago housing costs are 28% more expensive than they are in Pittsburgh, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Pittsburgh’s $227,329.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 35% increase in Pittsburgh.
• Rent in Chicago is 45.62% more expensive than in Pittsburgh.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Chicago gets 18% more sunshine days than Pittsburgh.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Pittsburgh.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in Pittsburgh, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 2 degrees warmer than in Pittsburgh.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Pittsburgh.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago, as Chicago receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Pittsburgh.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pittsburgh and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 15% more than in Pittsburgh
• The COLI in Chicago is 28% higher than what you are used to living in Pittsburgh
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 3.07 in PA
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate in Pittsburgh
• The poverty level is significant in Chicago compared to moderate in Pittsburgh
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pittsburgh and high in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Pittsburgh vs. Chicago

• Pittsburgh tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Catholic and Protestant presence from the Archdiocese of Chicago
• Pittsburgh's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a strong Catholic presence from the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 31% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Pittsburgh commute. That's 4160 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Pittsburgh.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.