Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Cleveland, OH
The 133 mi from Pittsburgh to Cleveland translate to about 2h 40m behind the wheel through 2 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.
133 mi Β· 2h 40m by car Β· OH β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Akron |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pittsburgh | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.671 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.711 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.684 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.986 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Pittsburgh (94.671) and Cleveland (93.923) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Cleveland: 0.8% below Pittsburgh on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Pittsburgh -0.4%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pittsburgh | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.3" | 33.3" |
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, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pittsburgh | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,620 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $64,137 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.6% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.21 | 2.18 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.8% between Pittsburgh and Cleveland (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
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
- 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 much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Pittsburgh?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $237,533 in Pittsburgh β a 51.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Pittsburgh?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 0.8% lower than Pittsburgh (93.923 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 Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 133 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 Pittsburgh vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh β a 38.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Pittsburgh, PA?
The driving distance is 133 mi and the route typically takes 2h 40m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 2 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· Cleveland, OH.