Best Chicago to Pittsburgh Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling streets of the Windy City to the scenic views of the Steel City represents an exciting chapter in your life. While you may be trading Chicago’s towering skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza for Pittsburgh's iconic bridges and pierogies, the transition is a journey filled with promise. To ensure your move is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers, and that's where we come in, offering you the best options through our unbiased ranking algorithm to make this significant move worry-free.
Best Chicago to Pittsburgh Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pittsburgh to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Pittsburgh Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 >>
Services
- Local move in Pittsburgh
- Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
- Residential move
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company offers ...Read More >>
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
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 >>
Services
- Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
- Long distance residential and commercial moves
- Loading or unloading your truck or pod
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be daunting, especially when you're moving to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA. This guide aims to help you find a piece of home in your new city by matching you with similar communities. Let's discover your next neighborhood.
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Shadyside | Vibrant, eclectic shopping |
| Wicker Park | Lawrenceville | Trendy, artsy vibes |
| Gold Coast | Squirrel Hill | Upscale, historic touches |
| Old Town | Mount Washington | Charming, scenic views |
| The Loop | Downtown Pittsburgh | Urban core, cultural hub |
| River North | Strip District | Industrial chic, nightlife |
| Hyde Park | Regent Square | Diverse, intellectual community |
| Andersonville | Bloomfield | Cozy, small-town feel in the city |
| Lakeview | South Side Flats | Lively, youthful energy |
| Logan Square | East Liberty | Creative, revitalized spirit |
If you're drawn to the historic charm and upscale boutiques of Chicago's Gold Coast, you'll feel right at home in Squirrel Hill's quaint yet opulent atmosphere, characterized by its affluent history, lush parks such as Schenley Park, and refined shopping districts. Meanwhile, Wicker Park enthusiasts who thrive on creativity and trendiness will find a kindred spirit in Lawrenceville, a neighborhood teeming with innovative eateries like Cure and eclectic venues such as Row House Cinema. For those who cherish the vibrant urban life of The Loop, Downtown Pittsburgh offers a similar blend of architectural wonders, cultural institutions like the Heinz History Center, and the bustling Market Square, ensuring you won't miss the beat of city life as you transition from Chicago to Pittsburgh.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh
Moving from one city to another brings a mix of emotions and logistic considerations. Here, we aim to present an honest reflection of moving from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting both the advantages and challenges. This comparison seeks to guide your decision by weighing the cons against the pros and vice versa, offering insight into what you can expect from such relocation.
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Harsher winters
- More congestion
- Greater crime rates
Pittsburgh, PA- More affordable
- Milder winters
- Less traffic
- Lower crime rates
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
Relocating from Chicago to Pittsburgh offers a unique blend of changes, notably in the cost of living and weather. Pittsburgh's housing and general expenses are more budget-friendly. If you're moving from Chicago's bustling streets, you'll find Pittsburgh's traffic to be a breath of fresh air, although this comes with a trade-off of a quieter nightlife scene. While you may miss Chicago's expansive L train system, Pittsburgh offers charming neighborhoods like Shadyside and South Side, each with its own collection of parks, cafes, and local businesses like The Pretzel Shop on Pittsburgh's historic South Side. While both cities boast an impressive array of cultural experiences, Pittsburgh’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offer a serene escape not to be missed, contrasting with the hustle and bustle of Chicago's Navy Pier. Considering these factors can help in making a well-informed decision about your move.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and provides insight into what living in an area is like. In this guide, we will conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Pittsburgh to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new city.
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep-Dish Pizza | Pierogi |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Primanti Bros Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Smithfield Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Vegan Pierogi |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh, you'll find yourself transitioning from the home of the deep-dish pizza to a city famous for its pierogi. In Pittsburgh, neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and the Strip District buzz with innovative food spots where you can indulge in both traditional dishes like the Primanti Bros sandwich and modern vegan options like vegan pierogi. Iconic Pittsburgh restaurants, such as Primanti Bros. and Pamela's Diner, offer a taste of the city's unique flavors and culinary history. Whether you're exploring food trucks on Pittsburgh’s streets or dining in award-winning establishments, the city's vibrant food scene eagerly awaits to serve you its best dishes.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that remind you of home. This restaurant comparison will help someone moving from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA find their new favorite spots, making the transition less daunting and more delicious. From high-end dining to casual eateries, explore how Pittsburgh mirrors Chicago’s culinary scene with this guide.
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Poulet Bleu | American take on French cuisine, offering an upscale dining experience similar to Alinea’s refinement |
| Girl & The Goat | Cure | Inventive small plates and a farm-to-table ethos echo the creativity and atmosphere of Girl & The Goat |
| Portillo's | Primanti Bros. | Famous for sandwiches, offers a casual dining vibe similar to Portillo’s fast-food legacy |
| Pequod's Pizza | Iron Born Pizza | Known for Detroit-style pies that resemble the deep-dish experience one would have at Pequod's |
| The Purple Pig | Moroccan Spicy And Sweet | Offers a fusion menu that, like The Purple Pig, blends different culinary traditions in a shared-plates format |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Meat & Potatoes | Offers a robust menu with a focus on steak and seafood, evoking the luxury dining of Joe’s |
| RPM Italian | Sinatra's Blue Eyes Restaurant | Offers classic Italian dishes in a stylish setting, reflecting the modern Italian dining of RPM Italian |
| Gene & Georgetti | The Capital Grille | Known for its steakhouse fare, mirroring the old-school charm and steak selections of Gene & Georgetti |
| Smoque BBQ | Pork & Beans | Texas-inspired BBQ in a laid-back atmosphere, reminiscent of the authentic smokehouse vibes of Smoque BBQ |
| The Berghoff | Hofbräuhaus | German-inspired brewery and restaurant offering a cultural dining experience akin to the historic feel of The Berghoff |
Exploring Pittsburgh's dining scene reveals a rich tapestry of culinary talent that mirrors the beloved flavors of Chicago. Poulet Bleu stands out with its luxurious French-inspired dishes, offering a taste of Alinea's sophistication in a new city. Those missing the bold, inventive flavors of Girl & The Goat will find solace in Cure, where the farm-to-table spirit lives on. If it's the casual yet iconic eats you crave, such as Portillo's in Chicago, Pittsburgh’s own Primanti Bros. offers a similarly beloved and unique sandwich experience that’s woven into the city's culinary identity. Through these carefully curated connections, you’ll not only find dishes that remind you of home but also discover the distinct, innovative culinary scene that makes Pittsburgh special.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a pivotal role when moving. It's crucial to understand how Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA compare in terms of housing . This includes aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Chicago | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Historical Blend | Victorian and Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Near public transportation, Lake views | Parks proximity, Neighborhood charm |
When considering a move from Chicago to Pittsburgh, it's evident that Pittsburgh offers a more affordable housing market, which could be a major plus for those wary of Chicago's higher cost of living. In Chicago, the real estate market boasts a blend of modern and historical architecture, offering lake views and easy access to public transportation, highly valued in listings. Pittsburgh's real estate, on the other hand, often highlights the city's lush parks and the charming character of its neighborhoods, with a focus on Victorian and Colonial styles. Given these differences, your lifestyle preferences and priorities will play a key role in determining which city is the better fit for you.
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.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA, it’s crucial to understand how the climate differences will affect you. This comparison will shed light on the weather patterns between Chicago and Pittsburgh , providing insights into what changes you can expect. Understanding these differences will help you better prepare for your new home.
Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh, PA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Extreme Cold | Floods, Snowstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh means you'll notice a slight change in weather patterns, with Pittsburgh offering fewer sunny days per year but milder winter temperatures. These differences may seem subtle, but they can significantly impact daily life, from choosing what clothes to wear to planning weekend activities. Moreover, while both cities experience a variety of natural disasters, Chicago faces more extreme cold conditions, and Pittsburgh has a higher chance of floods. Adjusting to the new climate will involve understanding the local weather tendencies and preparing accordingly for the subtle shifts in temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh
When planning a move, especially from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA , it's crucial to understand how finance and living costs will vary. This comparison gives you a clear idea of what your money can afford in a new city and helps you plan accordingly.
| Comparison | Chicago | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $57,821 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 91.5 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 3.07% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.31% | 2.13% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25% | 7% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Health Services, Manufacturing | Technology, Education, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Medium | Medium |
| Poverty | High | Medium |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
Moving from Chicago to Pittsburgh, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, with Pittsburgh being more affordable. Specifically, sales tax and state income tax rates are lower, which can provide you with more disposable income. Despite a lower average household income in Pittsburgh, the cost of living adjustment can potentially lead to a similar or even improved quality of life. Furthermore, while both cities have diverse economies, Pittsburgh's emphasis on the technology and education sectors offers unique career opportunities, especially if your professional background aligns with these industries.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Political & Religious Comparison
Planning your move from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA, it’s vital to understand the communities you'll be joining. This quick comparison aims to give you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Chicago & Pittsburgh , helping ensure you find your place with ease.
| Chicago | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Majority Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on urban issues, labor rights | Emphasis on education, healthcare |
| Religion | Diverse; large Catholic community | Diverse; significant Catholic and Jewish communities |
Understanding the nuanced differences between Chicago and Pittsburgh's local climates can be crucial for comfortably assimilating into your new home. While both cities boast a Democratic majority, Pittsburgh offers a slightly different political focus, with an emphasis on education and healthcare reforms. This reflects the city's strong ties to leading educational institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Furthermore, Chicago's diverse religious landscape mirrors that of Pittsburgh, but you'll find a larger Jewish community in your new city alongside the significant Catholic presence. Knowing this can help you connect with communities and services that align with your beliefs and values right away.
Chicago vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Pittsburgh is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like. Whether you’re driving or using public transit, knowing these differences can make your transition smoother.
| Comparison | Chicago | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | Partially |
In Chicago, the rich network of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) makes it significantly easier to get around without a car, thanks to its comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, Pittsburgh offers a more relaxed commute with less congestion, but public transit, centered around the Port Authority of Allegheny County, doesn't cover as extensively, making some areas harder to access without personal transport. However, both cities have been improving cycling infrastructure, pushing towards a more bike-friendly environment. Understanding these nuances will help you adapt to your new city's daily commute and traffic patterns.
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