Moving from Madison, WI to Pittsburgh, PA
A move from Madison, WI to Pittsburgh, PA covers 614 mi and around 11h 44m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
614 mi Β· 11h 44m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh and Madison are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.287 vs 94.671); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Pittsburgh typical home at $237,533 is 2.7% under Madison at $423,767 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.3" |
Pittsburgh runs 5.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 52.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.21 |
Median household income in Pittsburgh is 2.7% below Madison ($76,983 β $64,137, 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 Wisconsin 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $423,767 in Madison β a 43.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 614 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 614 mi and the route typically takes 11h 44m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 2.7% lower than Madison (94.671 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $76,983 in Madison β a 16.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Pittsburgh, PA.