Moving from Naperville, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
The 488 mi from Naperville to Pittsburgh translate to about 9h 10m behind the wheel through 4 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.
488 mi Β· 9h 10m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| 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
| Naperville | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Pittsburgh are 8.6% below Naperville β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Pittsburgh typical home at $237,533 is 8.6% under Naperville at $610,454 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.2Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.21 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 8.6% between Naperville and Pittsburgh (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 Illinois 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.
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 Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 61.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 57.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 488 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 8.6% lower than Naperville (94.671 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 488 mi and the route typically takes 9h 10m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Pittsburgh, PA.