Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Pittsburgh, PA
The 288 mi from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh translate to about 5h 47m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
288 mi Β· 5h 47m by car Β· OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 71, I 470 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.37 vs 94.671); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.8Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 33 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.7% between Cincinnati 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 Ohio 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
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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 does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Cincinnati?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 1,081,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 24.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 4.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 288 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 0.7% lower than Cincinnati (94.671 vs 95.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 288 mi and the route typically takes 5h 47m via I 70 and I 71. The trip crosses 3 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 Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Pittsburgh, PA.