Moving from Virginia Beach, VA to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating between Virginia Beach, VA and Pittsburgh, PA is a 415 mi drive β 8h 41m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
415 mi Β· 8h 41m by car Β· VA β WV β MD β PA
Distance & route
| Route through | VA β WV β MD β PA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, US 17, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Virginia Beach | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.941 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.579 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.767 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.805 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Virginia Beach and Pittsburgh sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $427,032 in Virginia Beach to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 3.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Virginia Beach +2.8%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Virginia Beach | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.6" | 41.3" |
Expect 7.4Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OCEANA NAS, VA US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Virginia Beach | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 457,066 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $90,685 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 37.4 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.21 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.3% β $90,685 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 Virginia 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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Virginia Beach to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 415 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Virginia Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.3% lower than Virginia Beach (94.671 vs 97.941, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Virginia Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $427,032 in Virginia Beach β a 44.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Virginia Beach, VA?
The driving distance is 415 mi and the route typically takes 8h 41m via I 64 and US 17. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Virginia Beach vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $90,685 in Virginia Beach β a 29.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Virginia Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 737,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Virginia Beach.
City profiles: Virginia Beach, VA Β· Pittsburgh, PA.