Moving from Cambridge, MA to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating 568 mi from Cambridge to Pittsburgh is a 11h 29m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
568 mi Β· 11h 29m by car Β· PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, US 220, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, New Haven, Hartford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Expect about 12.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Pittsburgh at 94.671 vs Cambridge at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 12.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $1,041,569 to $237,533 moving to Pittsburgh.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 41.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Cambridge (51.2Β°F) and Pittsburgh (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.21 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.6% β $126,469 β $64,137 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Massachusetts 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 off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 12.6% lower than Cambridge (94.671 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 568 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 Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 568 mi and the route typically takes 11h 29m via I 84 and US 220. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 49.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 77.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Pittsburgh, PA.