Best San Francisco to Pittsburgh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to Pittsburgh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,601 mile move from California to Pennsylvania go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 San Francisco to Pittsburgh moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to Pittsburgh. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Francisco to Pittsburgh Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
3Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.349.49Authorized For HHG
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
5Meta Movers9.159.43Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Francisco to Pittsburgh?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,601 miles from San Francisco, CA to Pittsburgh, PA will cost on average $3,993 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Pittsburgh move is roughly $9,651. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,677300 ft³$8.92
1 Bedroom$3,993450 ft³$8.87
2 Bedrooms$6,618750 ft³$8.82
3 Bedrooms$9,6511100 ft³$8.77
4 Bedrooms$13,9581600 ft³$8.72
5+ Bedrooms$15,6121800 ft³$8.67
*Please note: These California to Pennsylvania moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Pennsylvania. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to PA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pittsburgh to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Pittsburgh Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,121+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
B

Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 542+ data points

8 22nd St

San Francisco, CA, 94107

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,143+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Meta Movers Logo

Meta Movers

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 310+ data points

13 Holt St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15203

About Meta Movers

Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the...

Services

  • Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
  • Long distance residential and commercial moves
  • Loading or unloading your truck or pod

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3295834 / 1044452

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city is always a challenge, especially when you're unsure about the neighborhoods. This guide compares the local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Pittsburgh, PA to help you find a new area that feels like home. By comparing familiar neighborhoods in San Francisco with their Pittsburgh counterparts, you'll be better acquainted with your new surroundings.

San FranciscoPittsburghHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictShadysideVibrant nightlife, upscale dining
CastroLawrencevilleInclusive, artsy vibe
Haight-AshburyBloomfieldDiverse, with a bohemian flair
SoMa (South of Market)Strip DistrictIndustrial feel, tech hub
North BeachSquirrel HillCultural hub, great eats
Mission DistrictEast LibertyGentrifying, rich history
Pacific HeightsPoint BreezeElegant homes, quiet area
Nob HillShadysideUpscale, historic buildings
Financial DistrictDowntown PittsburghCommercial heart, high-rise offices
Sunset DistrictMount LebanonFamily-friendly, suburban feel

In comparing neighborhoods between San Francisco and Pittsburgh, you'll find several parallels that offer a familiar sense of community and lifestyle. For instance, if you enjoyed the bustling nights and upscale dining in the Marina District, Shadyside in Pittsburgh will charm you with its lively atmosphere, featuring popular dining spots like Walnut Grill. Lovers of the inclusive, artsy vibe of Castro will find Lawrenceville welcoming, with its vibrant arts scene and unique events at places like Row House Cinema. For those who appreciate the diversity and bohemian flair of Haight-Ashbury, Bloomfield offers an eclectic mix of dining and shopping, reminiscent of Haight Street but with a distinct Pittsburgh touch. This comparative insight into the neighborhoods should ease your transition and help you pick the perfect new neighborhood in Pittsburgh that feels just like home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Pittsburgh

Making the move from San Francisco, CA to Pittsburgh, PA requires a clear understanding of the shift in lifestyle. Here, we aim to provide a balanced view by weighing the challenges against the benefits of this relocation, giving an honest reflection of what awaits. This comparison will showcase how the pros outweigh the cons and vice versa, offering a comprehensive look at your new life in Pittsburgh.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Congested traffic
  • Cold summers
  • Less green space
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Warmer summers
  • More parks
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Smaller tech scene
  • No ocean
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Different vibe
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Ocean access
  • Famous landmarks
  • Rich culture

Choosing Pittsburgh over San Francisco brings a significantly lower cost of living, which can mean more disposable income for enjoying what the city has to offer. Pittsburgh is known for its vibrant neighborhoods like Lawrenceville, bustling with unique restaurants such as Cure and trendy spots like Roundabout Brewery. The city boasts lush green spaces like Schenley Park, offering a great escape into nature. While you might miss the tech buzz of San Francisco and its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Pittsburgh offers its own brand of charm with historic sites like the Carnegie Museums and the vibrant cultural district. This move is about swapping ocean views for riverfronts, and high costs for a city rich in history and community.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Food Guide

When relocating, diving into the local food scene is essential for getting the true flavor of your new home. In this guide, we'll embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Pittsburgh to provide insights into what culinary delights await you.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Pierogi
Most popular meat dish
Cioppino
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Mission Burrito
Haluski
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Ramen
Vegan Pierogi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • House of Prime Rib
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Slanted Door
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Pamela's Diner
  • Altius
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the food scene in Pittsburgh will introduce you to unique local flavors such as Pierogi, a beloved filled dumpling, and the iconic Primanti Bros. Sandwich, packed with meat, coleslaw, and fries. Pittsburgh's trendy neighborhoods, like the Strip District and Lawrenceville, offer a vibrant food scene with an array of restaurants including Primanti Bros. and Altius, where the local cuisine shines. Whether you're a meat lover or a vegan, Pittsburgh caters to all tastes, making your culinary exploration an adventure in every bite.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Restaurant Comparison

Choosing a new place to call home involves discovering spots that warm the heart and comfort the soul. For food enthusiasts moving from San Francisco to Pittsburgh, this San Francisco to Pittsburgh restaurant comparison is crafted to help you find your new culinary haven, easing the transition and making Pittsburgh feel like home. Here's to exploring flavors new and old, and finding your next favorite eatery.

San FranciscoPittsburghWhat You'll Love
Gary DankoAltiusUpscale dining with comparable attention to detail and ingredient quality
Tartine BakeryFive Points Artisan BakeshopRenowned for their freshly baked bread and pastries
Swan Oyster DepotRoland's Seafood GrillKnown for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere
Mission Chinese FoodChengdu GourmetAuthentic Sichuan cuisine that rivals the bold flavors of Mission Chinese
Zuni CaféThe Café at the FrickOffers an elegant dining experience with a seasonal menu
La TaqueriaLas PalmasAuthentic Mexican eats with a street-side taco stand vibe
The Slanted DoorTwo SistersVietnamese cuisine with a modern twist and an emphasis on freshness
BenuPoulet BleuAlthough French, offers a comparable upscale and refined dining experience
Golden Gate BakeryOakmont BakeryFamous for its wide assortment of baked goods and sweet treats
NopaLegumeA focus on organic and sustainable ingredients in a bustling, warm environment

The vibrancy and diversity of San Francisco's dining scene can indeed find echoes in Pittsburgh, promising an exciting gastronomic adventure. For instance, the experience at Altius in Pittsburgh mirrors the elevated dining offered by Gary Danko, emphasizing a passionate dedication to fine ingredients and inventive cuisine. Meanwhile, the authentic Sichuan flavors that define Chengdu Gourmet stand as a testament to the fiery, complex dishes that have made Mission Chinese Food a San Francisco favorite. And for those who miss the European flair of The Slanted Door, Two Sisters offers Vietnamese cuisine with an inventive twist, cultivating a similarly modern and inviting dining experience. These parallel culinary worlds promise to ease the homesickness of any San Franciscan transplant, making Pittsburgh not just a place to live, but a place to thrive and dine well.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when relocating. Understanding how San Francisco and Pittsburgh compare in housing can significantly impact your decision-making process. This comparison will delve into cost, architecture, walkability, and more, offering a comprehensive view.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian and Modern
Colonial Revival and Craftsman
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
View, Luxury, Eco-friendly
Space, Vintage, Affordable

Comparing San Francisco and Pittsburgh reveals stark differences in housing, reflecting the unique characteristics and cost of living in each city. San Francisco's high median home price and rent are indicative of its vibrant urban lifestyle and desirability. The city is known for its Victorian and modern architecture, offering stunning views and eco-friendly features. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh offers a more affordable option, with colonial revival and craftsman homes being common, and listings often highlight the spacious and vintage aspects. Though slightly less walkable and bikeable, Pittsburgh offers a high quality of urban life at a more accessible price point, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between modern amenities and affordability.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA

1. Shadyside : You’ll find this neighborhood’s walkability and abundance of pet-friendly patios make it an ideal spot for both you and your furry friends.

2. Lawrenceville : With its numerous parks and dog-friendly cafes, Lawrenceville is a perfect place if you’re looking for a vibrant community that welcomes pets.

3. Squirrel Hill : This neighborhood offers a variety of local parks and green spaces, ensuring you have ample opportunities for outdoor activities with your pets.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, comprehending how the weather differs between San Francisco and Pittsburgh is crucial. This comparison will help you understand what to expect and adjust accordingly, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
Snowstorms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

67°F / 55°F
82°F / 62°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

58°F / 46°F
35°F / 21°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23.65
38.19
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
41.9


Moving from the mild, Mediterranean climate of San Francisco to Pittsburgh's distinct four seasons can be a considerable adjustment. You'll exchange gentle summers for hotter, more humid ones, and the mild winters for colder, snowy periods. San Francisco's famous fog and Pittsburgh's significantly higher number of snowy days are key distinctions in daily weather experiences. Understanding Pittsburgh's broader range of temperatures and preparedness for snow can help ease the transition, allowing for a more comfortable adaptation to your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Pittsburgh

When planning a move, it's vital to grasp how finances will shift. This comparison delves into the financial landscape—highlighting cost of living, taxation, and economic opportunity—from San Francisco to Pittsburgh, offering a clearer understanding of what to expect.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Avg. Household Income
$121,826
$57,821
Cost of Living Index
164
91.5
State Income Tax
13.3
3.07
Avg. Property Tax
0.6
2.4
Avg. Sales Tax
8.5
7
Top 3 Industries
Technology, finance, tourism
Healthcare, education, technology
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Low

While San Francisco boasts a significantly higher average household income, this advantage is tempered by its exceedingly high cost of living and top tier state income tax. In contrast, Pittsburgh offers a more modest financial landscape, with a dramatically lower cost of living and gentler taxation. The economic opportunities in Pittsburgh also show diversity, with strong sectors in healthcare and education, contrasting the technology and finance hubs of San Francisco. This financial variance highlights the importance of considering your industry and lifestyle preferences when making a move.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Political & Religious Comparison

Moving across the country entails more than just a change of scenery; it's a plunge into a new cultural and socio-political environment. Understanding the comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Pittsburgh and the religious makeup of these cities can offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect from your new neighbors.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Liberal/Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive Policies
Moderately Progressive
Religion
Mixed, with a significant portion identifying as non-religious
More diverse, with Christianity being predominant

Both San Francisco and Pittsburgh share a liberal/democratic political leaning, but the intensity and focus of local politics may differ. San Francisco is known for its very progressive policies, often leading the way in environmental regulation, LGBTQ+ rights, and housing reforms. Comparatively, Pittsburgh is moderately progressive, with a significant focus on revitalizing its economy and infrastructure while still valuing social progressiveness. Religion presents a contrasting picture; San Francisco's population is highly diverse in terms of religious beliefs, with a substantial number identifying as non-religious. In contrast, Pittsburgh has a more significant Christian population, reflecting the varied religious makeup of its communities. Understanding these nuances will help you engage more meaningfully with your new surroundings.

San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when considering your daily commute and traffic experience. To better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between San Francisco & Pittsburgh, this comparison aims to provide you with insights on driving and transiting in both cities.

San Francisco
Pittsburgh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34
26
Traffic Congestion
8 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
9 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes
Yes, but more challenging

The average commute time in San Francisco is notably longer than in Pittsburgh, a reflection of both city size and traffic congestion. San Francisco, with its higher traffic congestion score, can still offer a smoother daily commute thanks to its excellent public transit system, rated among the best in the U.S. While you can get by without a car in both cities, it's considerably more feasible in San Francisco, supported by extensive public transit options like BART and Muni. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's reliance on its bus system, although efficient, makes car ownership more of a necessity for convenience and access to broader areas.

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