Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Pittsburgh, PA
It is a 284 mi drive, roughly 5h 21m, between Ann Arbor, MI and Pittsburgh, PA. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
284 mi Β· 5h 21m by car Β· PA β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 23 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.2% moving from Ann Arbor to Pittsburgh β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $523,391 in Ann Arbor to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 6.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.2Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.21 |
Pittsburgh households earn about 6.2% less than Ann Arbor at the median β $81,089 β $64,137 on 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 Michigan 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 6.2% lower than Ann Arbor (94.671 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 284 mi and the route typically takes 5h 21m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 284 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 20.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 54.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Pittsburgh, PA.