Moving from Hampton, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating between Hampton, VA and Pittsburgh, PA is a 387 mi drive β 8h 2m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
387 mi Β· 8h 2m by car Β· PA β MD β WV β VA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β MD β WV β VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, I 64, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hampton | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.941 vs 94.671 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 3.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Hampton -0.3%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hampton | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 41.3" |
Expect 7.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LANGLEY AFB, VA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hampton | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,334 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $67,758 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.1% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.21 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.3% lower in Pittsburgh than Hampton.
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 Virginia 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.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Hampton vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $67,758 in Hampton β a 5.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Hampton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $275,341 in Hampton β a 13.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hampton to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 387 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Hampton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.3% lower than Hampton (94.671 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Hampton, VA?
The driving distance is 387 mi and the route typically takes 8h 2m via US 17 and I 64. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Hampton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $46,990 in the Hampton MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hampton.
City profiles: Hampton, VA Β· Pittsburgh, PA.