Moving from Boston, MA to Pittsburgh, PA
The drive from Boston, MA to Pittsburgh, PA runs 572 mi β about 11h 34m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
572 mi Β· 11h 34m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 80, US 22 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh is 12.6% cheaper than Boston overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pittsburgh is 12.6% below Boston β $798,217 vs $237,533 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boston | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 41.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Boston (51.9Β°F) and Pittsburgh (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.6% between Boston and Pittsburgh (ACS 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- 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 much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $798,217 in Boston β a 70.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 572 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $94,755 in Boston β a 32.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 12.6% lower than Boston (94.671 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 572 mi and the route typically takes 11h 34m via I 84 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA Β· Pittsburgh, PA.