Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh?

5 Best Movers and Your Ultimate Moving Guide

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San Diego to Pittsburgh Movers

Moving from sunny San Diego, the birthplace of California, to Pittsburgh, the Steel City with its bridges and historical charm, marks an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the endless beaches and laid-back vibes for Pittsburgh’s rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and hearty food scene can feel like a bittersweet adventure. It's essential for you, in this significant transition, to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. That's where we step in, ensuring your journey from coast to coast is as smooth and stress-free as possible with the best movers the industry has to offer.

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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pittsburgh to San Diego guide.

5 Best San Diego to Pittsburgh Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

#1
Pittsburgh Moving Logo
Exceptional

based on 1,264+ data points

Pittsburgh, PA
Local move in Pittsburgh, Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh, Residential move See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT: 3901080 Verify

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...Read More >>

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#2
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo
Exceptional

based on 477+ data points

San Diego, CA
Local Moves, Long-Distance Moves, Packing Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3177184 Verify

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill, the compan...Read More >>

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#3
M
Exceptional

based on 336+ data points

Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service local Pittsburgh moves, Long distance residential and commercial moves, Loading or unloading your truck or pod See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 3295834 Verify

About Meta Movers

Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

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#4
M
Exceptional

based on 1,080+ data points

San Diego, CA
Cheap moving services, Local moving services, Long-distance moving services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 2403743 Verify

About Motivated Military Movers

Motivated Military Movers is a veteran-owned moving company founded in 2008 by a Navy Corpsman, based in San Diego, California. With over 13...Read More >>

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#5
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo
Superb

based on 2,147+ data points

Poway, CA
Long Distance Moving, International Moving, Storage Services See More
Authorized for Interstate Moves

(last checked 9/11/2024)

USDOT: 877737 Verify

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...Read More >>

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Relocating from San Diego to Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with Pittsburgh, PA by referencing similar neighborhoods from San Diego, CA. Our guide focuses on comparing the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Pittsburgh, PA, offering a baseline for newcomers to relate and adapt quickly to their new environment.

San DiegoPittsburgh
La JollaSquirrel Hill

Affluent, academic atmosphere

North ParkLawrenceville

Trendy, arts-focused

Pacific BeachShadyside

Lively nightlife, young professionals

CoronadoMount Lebanon

Upscale, family-friendly

Ocean BeachBloomfield

Bohemian, close-knit community

HillcrestEast Liberty

Diverse, vibrant lifestyle

Gaslamp QuarterSouth Side Flats

Nightlife, historic district

Little ItalyStrip District

Foodie paradise, cultural hub

Del MarFox Chapel

Exclusive, suburban feel

EncinitasPoint Breeze

Charming, spacious homes

If you're charmed by the upscale, beachfront vibe of La Jolla, with its stunning ocean views and thriving academic scene, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Squirrel Hill, where prestigious universities add a scholarly dimension to its affluent environment. For those who love the lively, artsy scene of North Park, Lawrenceville offers a dynamic alternative with its extensive selection of galleries, boutiques, and eateries like Cure and Round Corner Cantina. Meanwhile, if the historic charm and dining options of Gaslamp Quarter capture your interest, South Side Flats' robust nightlife and historic Victorian architecture, combined with spots like Dish Osteria Bar, will make you feel right at home. These comparisons illustrate just a few of the parallels designed to help you navigate your new life in Pittsburgh with a touch of familiarity.

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Things to Do in Pittsburgh

  • Explore the Heinz History Center
  • Ride the Duquesne Incline
  • Walk through Phipps Conservatory
  • Discover Carnegie Science Center
  • Catch a Pirates game at PNC Park
  • Bike on Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Moving from one city to another offers a unique chance to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks of your relocation. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on moving from San Diego, CA to Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting what you may gain or lose through this transition.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less seasonal change
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Distinct seasons
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • More cloudy days
  • No direct beach access
  • Fewer nightlife options
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Sunny weather
  • Beaches nearby
  • Vibrant nightlife

When you swap the sunny climes and vibrant nightlife of San Diego for Pittsburgh's more affordable living and distinct seasonal experiences, you're in for some significant changes. Pittsburgh proudly offers its own unique charm, with Phipps Conservatory and Carnegie Museums standing out as cultural beacons amidst the city’s rich landscape of historic neighborhoods. While you might miss the direct beach access of places like La Jolla Cove, the green spaces and riverside trails, such as those in Schenley Park, offer their own kind of outdoor retreat within the city. Restaurants in the Strip District or Lawrenceville provide eclectic and cozy dining experiences that reflect the city's diverse culinary scene. Transitioning from San Diego to Pittsburgh means embracing these changes and finding new local favorites.

Food Scene Guide When Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and understanding what it's like to live in a new area. By exploring the comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Pittsburgh , you can get a better sense of the culinary scene you'll be diving into or departing from.

San DiegoPittsburgh

Most iconic local food item

Fish TacosPierogi

Most popular meat dish

Carne Asada BurritoPrimanti Bros. Sandwich

Most popular street food item

California BurritoPolish Sausage

Most popular vegan food

Acai BowlVegan Pierogi

Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city

  • Georges at the Cove
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Las Cuatro Milpas
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Church Brew Works
  • Pamela's Diner

Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)

96

Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)

85

Foodie Scene (out of 10)

97

Vegan Friendly (out of 10)

97

When venturing into the diverse culinary landscape of Pittsburgh, foods like the iconic pierogi found in neighborhoods such as the Strip District or beloved Primanti Bros. sandwiches, which are a staple of Pittsburgh cuisine, are a must-try. Places like Pamela's Diner offer a nostalgic dive into the local breakfast scene, while the Church Brew Works combines Pittsburgh’s rich history with its evolving foodie culture. For those leaning towards plant-based options, the city has seen a rise in vegan-friendly dishes, including variations of its beloved pierogi, showcasing Pittsburgh's ability to combine tradition with contemporary tastes.

Restaurant Guide for Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Relocating often means leaving behind favorite culinary spots, making it crucial to find new ones to call home. This restaurant comparison between San Diego and Pittsburgh will help bridge the gap, ensuring you'll discover your next go-to eatery with ease. Let this guide serve as your culinary compass in transitioning from the West Coast vibes of San Diego to the rich, diverse flavors of Pittsburgh.

Georgina’sDiAnoia's Eatery

Both offer a comforting embrace of authentic Italian cuisine.

Juniper and IvyCure

A focus on innovative, locally-sourced dishes places Cure in line with the high-end dining experience of Juniper and Ivy.

Phil’s BBQPittsburgh Barbecue Company

For those seeking a quintessential BBQ experience reminiscent of Phil’s, with its fall-off-the-bone meats and tangy sauces.

Hodad’sBurgatory

Burgatory's custom burger options mirror the iconic burger experience at Hodad’s, celebrating the art of burger crafting.

Las Cuatro MilpasReyna Foods

Authentic Mexican fare that rivals the homemade dishes of Las Cuatro Milpas, right in the heart of Pittsburgh.

Mister A’sAltius

Stunning city views paired with upscale dining, offering a similar ambiance to that of Mister A’s.

Ironside Fish & OysterMorimoto

Though more focused on sushi, Morimoto’s seafood offerings provide a high-quality dining experience akin to Ironside.

Extraordinary DessertsPrantl's Bakery

The renowned Burnt Almond Torte at Prantl's offers a dessert experience on par with the lavish confections at Extraordinary Desserts.

PuestoTako

Tako stands out with its inventive tacos and vibrant atmosphere, echoing the modern, upscale Mexican fare found at Puesto.

KindredSpirit

For the creatively inclined, Spirit offers a parallel experience to Kindred, with its unique vegan menu items and lively entertainment options.

While San Diego offers a unique culinary landscape, Pittsburgh is not without its gems. DiAnoia's Eatery provides an Italian dining experience that can easily become a favorite for those missing Georgina’s. For barbecue enthusiasts longing for the smoky flavors of Phil's BBQ, Pittsburgh Barbecue Company steps up as a worthy counterpart. Meanwhile, Tako brings innovative twists to Mexican cuisine, creating a vibrant dining atmosphere that mirrors the lively spirit of Puesto. These establishments not only replicate the types of foods you might already love but also embody the attentive service and community feel that make dining out so enjoyable.

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Ready to start your move?

Real Estate Facts to Know Before Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

When considering a move, the real estate landscape in your new city is crucial. Understanding how San Diego and Pittsburgh compare in terms of housing will help make your transition smoother. This comparison covers essential aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh will bring noticeable changes in your living situation, chiefly in housing affordability. In Pittsburgh, the cost of buying a home or renting is significantly lower, making wealth stretch further in the real estate market. Pittsburgh's architecture showcases the city's rich history through its Gothic and Tudor Revival styles, contrasting with San Diego's Spanish Colonial and modern designs. Pittsburgh also rates higher in walkability and bikeability, hinting at a more compact and accessible urban layout. This aspect, combined with a vibrant urban lifestyle marked by a higher score, reflects Pittsburgh's emphasis on community and accessibility. Not to mention, listings in Pittsburgh often highlight green spaces and historic details, pointing to the city's appreciation of its lush environment and storied past.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA

1. Lawrenceville: This neighborhood boasts a vibrant community with easy access to dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants like The Vandal, making it perfect for you and your furry friend.

2. Shadyside: Known for its walkable streets and a welcoming atmosphere for pets, Shadyside offers numerous pet stores such as Petagogy and outdoor areas, ideal for keeping your pet healthy and happy.

3. Squirrel Hill: With its close proximity to Frick Park, Squirrel Hill provides endless trails and green spaces for you and your pet to explore, alongside pet-friendly cafes and community activities.

Weather Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Moving from one city to another entails significant adjustments, especially regarding the weather. Understanding the weather comparison between San Diego and Pittsburgh is crucial for your preparations and to set proper expectations. This comparison will highlight how the sunny, mild climate of San Diego contrasts with Pittsburgh's variable weather, impacting your daily life and activities.

Summer icon
75°F/63°F

San Diego, CA

82°F/62°F

Pittsburgh, PA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F/50°F

San Diego, CA

37°F/21°F

Pittsburgh, PA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34

San Diego, CA

38

Pittsburgh, PA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

41.9

Pittsburgh, PA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

While San Diego boasts warm summers and mild winters with an abundance of sunshine, Pittsburgh experiences a wider range of weather conditions, including cold winters with considerable snowfall and more humid summers. The significant difference in the number of sunny days between the two cities can impact mood and outdoor activities. Those moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh should prepare for the colder, snowy winters and embrace the beautiful seasonal changes, especially the spectacular fall foliage that Pittsburgh offers. Adjusting your wardrobe and perhaps your outdoor hobbies will help you transition smoothly to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

When contemplating a move, it's crucial to understand the financial implications of relocating from San Diego to Pittsburgh. The cost of living, taxes, and average income vary significantly between these cities, impacting your budget and lifestyle. This comparison aims to provide a clear financial picture to help you prepare for your move.

San Diego and Pittsburgh offer contrasting financial landscapes for potential residents. While the average household income in San Diego is significantly higher, the cost of living is also substantially greater, partly due to the higher state income tax and property tax rates. On the other hand, Pittsburgh presents a more affordable alternative, with a lower cost of living index and a favorable state income tax rate, making it an attractive option for those seeking a city with growing affluence but without the high living costs of coastal cities. Furthermore, the top industries in each city reflect the local economic focus and opportunities available, from defense and tourism in San Diego to healthcare and technology in Pittsburgh.

Political & Religious Comparison between San Diego, CA and Pittsburgh, PA

When considering a move from San Diego to Pittsburgh, an overview of the comparison of the politics between San Diego & Pittsburgh and their religious landscapes offers a glimpse into the community you're entering. This quick snapshot provides insights into the local culture and societal makeup that await.

San DiegoPittsburgh

Political Make-up

Leans DemocraticStrongly Democratic

Local Politics

Progressive on environmental and immigration issuesProgressive with a focus on economic revitalization and social justice

Religion

Diverse; with notable Christian and Catholic communitiesPredominantly Catholic; diverse religious communities present

San Diego and Pittsburgh share a leaning towards Democratic values, but the intensity of their political landscapes differ. While San Diego is known for its environmental activism and liberal stance on immigration, Pittsburgh's politics prioritize economic revitalization and social justice, mirroring its industrial past. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with San Diego hosting a variety of Christian denominations, including a strong Catholic presence that resonates with Pittsburgh's own predominantly Catholic demographic. This comparison not only underlines the shared values but also highlights the unique local priorities that shape each city's identity.

Traffic and Public Transit Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Pittsburgh

Moving from San Diego, CA, to Pittsburgh, PA, brings many changes, especially when it comes to commuting. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between San Diego & Pittsburgh, making your transition smoother.

San DiegoPittsburgh
2624

Avg Commute Time (in minutes)

75

Traffic Congestion (out of 10)

67

Availability of Public Transit (out of 10)

ChallengingPossible, but limiting

Can you get by without car?

In San Diego, while you'll find yourself facing higher traffic congestion compared to Pittsburgh, the city is continuously improving its public transportation with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. However, most residents find having a car beneficial to fully explore the city and its surroundings. Conversely, Pittsburgh offers slightly less traffic congestion and a higher reliance on its public transportation, thanks to the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Pittsburgh’s more compact urban layout also makes it easier to get around without a car, though it could still be limiting if you wish to explore areas outside the city or if your job is located in one of the suburban areas.

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