Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Cincinnati, OH
The 288 mi from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati 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
| Pittsburgh | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Pittsburgh (94.671) and Cincinnati (95.37) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Cincinnati at $249,568 is 0.7% above Pittsburgh at $237,533.
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 43.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.17 |
Income steps down 0.7%: $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $51,707 in Cincinnati.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Pennsylvania and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 Cincinnati compare to Pittsburgh?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 1,071,900 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 5.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 19.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 0.7% higher than Pittsburgh (95.37 vs 94.671, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati?
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.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Pittsburgh, PA?
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 Pittsburgh.
City profiles: Pittsburgh, PA Β· Cincinnati, OH.