Moving from Kansas City, MO to Pittsburgh, PA
The drive from Kansas City, MO to Pittsburgh, PA runs 842 mi β about 16h 6m 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.
842 mi Β· 16h 6m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH β WV β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 270 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh and Kansas City are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 94.671); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 2.3% lower in Pittsburgh than Kansas City as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.9Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.21 |
Household income lines up β $67,449 vs $64,137 on 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 Missouri 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 far is Pittsburgh, PA from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 842 mi and the route typically takes 16h 6m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 4.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 5.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 842 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 Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 2.3% higher than Kansas City (94.671 vs 92.543, 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Pittsburgh, PA.