Moving from Baltimore, MD to Pittsburgh, PA
It is a 244 mi drive, roughly 4h 51m, between Baltimore, MD and Pittsburgh, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
244 mi Β· 4h 51m by car Β· MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Baltimore | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.487 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 110.215 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.353 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 118.194 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.4% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Pittsburgh at 94.671 vs Baltimore at 104.487.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $188,101 to $237,533 moving to Pittsburgh.
YoY change: Baltimore -1.1%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Baltimore | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.7" | 41.3" |
Annual temperature drops 6.7Β°F moving to Pittsburgh per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MD SCI CTR BALTIMORE, MD US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Baltimore | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,193 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $59,623 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 36.1 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.1% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.3 | 2.21 |
Households in Pittsburgh earn about 9.4% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Maryland and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Baltimore, MD?
The driving distance is 244 mi and the route typically takes 4h 51m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Baltimore?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $188,101 in Baltimore β a 26.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 244 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Baltimore?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $54,140 in the Baltimore MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 1,304,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Baltimore vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $59,623 in Baltimore β a 7.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Baltimore?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 9.4% lower than Baltimore (94.671 vs 104.487, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Baltimore.
City profiles: Baltimore, MD Β· Pittsburgh, PA.