Moving from Cleveland, OH to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving from Cleveland, OH to Pittsburgh, PA covers 133 mi and about 2h 40m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
133 mi Β· 2h 40m by car Β· OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cleveland (93.923) and Pittsburgh (94.671) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Pittsburgh: 0.8% above Cleveland on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 41.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.21 |
Median household income in Pittsburgh is 0.8% above Cleveland ($39,187 vs $64,137, 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 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
- 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
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 0.8% higher than Cleveland (94.671 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 105.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 133 mi and the route typically takes 2h 40m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 63.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 133 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Pittsburgh, PA.