Best Pittsburgh to Los Angeles Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,499 mile move from Pennsylvania to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 50 Pittsburgh to Los Angeles moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Pittsburgh compared to Los Angeles. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Pittsburgh to Los Angeles Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pittsburgh Moving9.629.51Authorized For HHGContact
2Best California Movers9.529.73Authorized For HHGContact
3Moving Pro, Inc.9.459.01Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Meta Movers9.119.43Authorized For HHGContact
5Two Men and a Truck8.808.2Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,499 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA will cost on average $3,906 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Pittsburgh to Los Angeles move is roughly $9,439. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,619300 ft³8.73
1 Bedroom$3,906450 ft³8.68
2 Bedrooms$6,473750 ft³8.63
3 Bedrooms$9,4391100 ft³8.58
4 Bedrooms$13,6491600 ft³8.53
5+ Bedrooms$15,2651800 ft³8.48
*Please note: These Pennsylvania to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Pennsylvania & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed PA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Pittsburgh guide.

Compare the 5 Best Pittsburgh to Los Angeles Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.62/10
based on 1,264+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Best California Movers Logo

Best California Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

Glendale, CA, 91206

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Moving Pro, Inc. Logo

Moving Pro, Inc.

Exceptional9.45/10
based on 1,438+ data points

557 Vernon Ave

Venice, CA, 90291

About Moving Pro, Inc.

Moving Pro, Inc. takes a transparent, customized, and personal approach to moving that puts its clients first. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Car Transportation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1864442 / 675888

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved26,800 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Meta Movers Logo

Meta Movers

Exceptional9.11/10
based on 336+ data points

13 Holt St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15203

About Meta Movers

Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the...

Services

  • Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
  • Long distance residential and commercial moves
  • Loading or unloading your truck or pod

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3295834 / 1044452

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.80/10
based on 2,807+ data points

3555 Valley Dr

Pittsburgh, PA, 15234

About Two Men and a Truck

With a premium brand of service rooted in hard work, trust, and high customer satisfaction, Two Men And A Truck is...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1321899 / 509618

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved260,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison

Moving across the country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when relocating from one vibrant city to another. To help bridge this transition, we offer a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Pittsburgh, PA & Los Angeles, CA . This guide aims to provide a familiar baseline for those moving from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles by comparing popular neighborhoods in both cities.

PittsburghLos AngelesHow They're Similar
ShadysideSilver LakeTrendy, artsy vibes
Squirrel HillLos FelizDiverse, with a mix of cultures
LawrencevilleArts DistrictIndustrial chic, artistic community
East LibertyEcho ParkRevitalized, eclectic urban area
South SideVeniceVibrant nightlife, eclectic mix
North ShoreSanta MonicaWaterfront activities, upscale
BloomfieldLittle TokyoCultural enclave, dining scene
Mount WashingtonHollywood HillsPicturesque views, exclusive
Strip DistrictFairfaxMarket vibe, shopping & dining
Point BreezeWestwoodResidential, cultural institutions

The eclectic atmosphere of Pittsburgh's Shadyside with its unique boutiques and local cafes can be reminiscenced in Silver Lake's bustling streets and artisanal coffee shops, like Intelligentsia Coffee. Similarly, the rich cultural tapestry of Squirrel Hill is mirrored in Los Feliz's diverse eateries and independent bookstores. Architectural enthusiasts who admire Lawrenceville's industrial lofts will find a similar soul in the Arts District, home to cutting-edge galleries like Hauser & Wirth. For those who enjoy the urban outdoor lifestyle, East Liberty's transformation into a vibrant, walkable community bears resemblance to Echo Park's renewed parks and historic landmarks. Lastly, the South Side's lively entertainment scene is matched by Venice's iconic boardwalk, eclectic boutiques, and outdoor cafes, making for a seamless transition from the streets of Pittsburgh to the sun-soaked avenues of Los Angeles.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles

Moving from one city to another is a significant episode in anyone's life, offering both challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA relocation, by comparing the pros and cons of such a move. Understanding these aspects can help you prepare better for the changes ahead.

CONs
PROs
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less diverse cuisine
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Warm climate
  • Vibrant metropolis
  • Greater career options
  • World-class dining
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Impersonal urban sprawl
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less accessible nature
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • More affordable living
  • Familiar small community
  • Less traffic
  • Green spaces

Moving to Los Angeles from Pittsburgh introduces you to a vibrant metropolis known for its warm climate, diverse culture, and expansive career opportunities. You might trade the cold, snowy winters of Pittsburgh for the sunny beaches of Santa Monica or Venice Beach. The dining scene in LA is a food lover's dream, offering everything from food trucks serving up authentic Mexican cuisine to high-end dining experiences in areas like Beverly Hills and Downtown LA. While Pittsburgh boasts close-knit communities and more affordable living, Los Angeles offers unparalleled opportunities for advancement in various industries, including entertainment, technology, and fashion. Though the cost of living may be higher in Los Angeles, the city compensates with its world-class attractions, such as Griffith Park, The Getty Center, and vibrant neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Echo Park, each with unique personalities and communities to explore.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Food Guide

When considering a move, it's essential to immerse yourself in the local culture, and what better way than through food? In this guide, we'll conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Pittsburgh & Los Angeles to help you better understand the culinary landscape you're moving into.

PittsburghLos Angeles
Most iconic local food itemPrimanti Bros. SandwichStreet Tacos
Most popular meat dishKielbasaKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemPierogiesTacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SandwichVegan Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Church Brew Works
  • Pamela's Diner
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Guisados
  • République
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In both Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, local cuisines reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyle choices. In Pittsburgh, you can savor the iconic Primanti Bros. Sandwich in the Strip District or enjoy a hearty Seitan Sandwich at a cozy cafe in the Lawrenceville neighborhood. Moving on to Los Angeles, the food scene explodes with variety, from street tacos available in virtually every neighborhood to high-end dining experiences in areas such as Beverly Hills and Downtown LA. The city's health-conscious vibe is evident in its plethora of vegan options and fitness-inspired menus. Whether you're indulging in vegan tacos in Silver Lake or exploring the innovative food truck scene sprawling across the city, Los Angeles offers a dynamic culinary adventure.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with the food we love. This restaurant comparison between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles will guide you in discovering eateries in LA that resonate with your Pittsburgh favorites, making the City of Angels feel a bit more like home.

PittsburghLos AngelesWhat You'll Love
Primanti Bros.Philippe The OriginalBoth known for iconic sandwiches with unique flavors
AltiusPerch LAElevated dining with stunning city views
Pamela's DinerDu-par's Restaurant & BakeryClassic diner experience known for breakfast
Meat & PotatoesAnimalAdventurous meat-centered dishes in a chic setting
DiAnoia's EateryOsteria MozzaBoth offer high-end Italian dining with a cozy atmosphere
Gaucho Parrilla ArgentinaFogo de Chão Brazilian SteakhouseSouth American flavors with an emphasis on meats
UmamiUmami BurgerSharing not just a name but a philosophy on savory flavors
Square CafeSquare One DiningSimilar ethos on quality brunch offerings with a creative twist
Pusadee's GardenNight + MarketBoth provide a unique spin on Thai classics in a vibrant setting
ElevenBestiaBoth are trendy spots for inventive dishes in an industrial-chic space

When craving the warmth and richness of Italian cuisine that you adored at DiAnoia's Eatery in Pittsburgh, Osteria Mozza in LA beckons with its similarly cozy atmosphere and a menu that's both refined and delightfully comforting. On the other hand, if your evenings in Pittsburgh were often spent enjoying the lively South American atmosphere at Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, you'll find a kindred spirit in Los Angeles at Fogo de Chão. While the meats remain the star of the show, the transition from Argentinian to Brazilian steakhouse offers new flavors and experiences, keeping your dining adventures exciting. Through these culinary journeys, you'll not only find dishes that remind you of Pittsburgh's flavors but also discover new favorites that make LA feel like home.

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Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, real estate is paramount in understanding the lay of the land. Comparing housing in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles helps pinpoint differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what to expect in each city.

ComparisonPittsburghLos Angeles
Typical Architecture StyleVictorianModern, Spanish Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious rooms, historic appealOpen floor plans, outdoor living spaces

Understanding the nuances behind these numbers reveals a stark contrast in living experiences. Los Angeles, with its higher cost of living, offers an urban lifestyle rich in outdoor living spaces and modern architectural trends, a nod to its higher walkability and bikeability scores. Whereas, Pittsburgh, more affordable and embracing its Victorian roots, offers a lifestyle that echoes its historic charm combined with spacious living areas. These differences highlight not just a choice in cities but a choice in lifestyles, where personal preferences and financial abilities play critical roles in the decision-making process.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA

1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.

2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.

3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, acclimating to the new weather conditions is crucial. Understanding the climatic differences will help you prepare for your new environment. Pittsburgh and Los Angeles offer vastly different weather experiences, from seasonal variations to annual rainfall. This comparison aims to highlight these differences, ensuring you know what to expect in your new city.

Summer icon
82°F / 62°F

Pittsburgh, PA

85°F / 66°F

Los Angeles, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
38°F / 20°F

Pittsburgh, PA

68°F / 48°F

Los Angeles, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Pittsburgh, PA

15

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
41

Pittsburgh, PA

0

Los Angeles, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPittsburghLos Angeles
Air QualityModerateVariable, often poor
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Pittsburgh and Los Angeles both enjoy mild summers, the winter temperatures and sunshine days mark a significant contrast. Los Angeles boasts more sunny days, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round, but it's also prone to earthquakes and wildfires unlike Pittsburgh's snowstorms and floods. The variation in air quality between the two cities is notable, with Los Angeles often experiencing poor conditions due to smog. Additionally, if you suffer from allergies, the prevalent allergens differ vastly, from tree and grass pollen in Pittsburgh to smog and pollen in Los Angeles. Lastly, the drastic difference in annual snowfall is something Pittsburgh residents moving to Los Angeles will find either relieving or disappointing, depending on their preference for snowy winters.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles

When planning your relocation, understanding the financial landscape is essential. This comparison will highlight the moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA differences in cost of living, taxation, and job markets , offering a glimpse into what you can expect in terms of expenses and income opportunities . Recognizing these differences will help you prepare financially for your big move.

ComparisonPittsburghLos Angeles
Avg. Household Income$57,821$70,372
Cost of Living Index91.5136.4
State Income Tax3.079.3
Avg. Property Tax2.070.793
Avg. Sales Tax79.5
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, FinanceEntertainment, Technology, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

The statistics reflect the stark contrasts between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles across various financial metrics. While the average household income in Los Angeles might initially seem more attractive, the city's cost of living index stands at a staggering 173.3 out of 100, dwarfing Pittsburgh's more moderate 87.5. This discrepancy implies that despite higher incomes, Los Angeles residents face significantly greater expenses, particularly in housing, which is reflected in the city's lower average property tax rate but exorbitantly high real estate prices. Furthermore, Los Angeles's state income and sales tax rates are substantially higher than those in Pittsburgh, affecting disposable income. Despite these challenges, Los Angeles boasts a high level of affluence, largely due to its lucrative industries like entertainment and technology, which continue to draw people to the city, contributing to its high poverty and homelessness rates.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison

Embarking on a move from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles brings about numerous changes, not least of which involve the communities you'll be joining. This comparison offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of residents between Pittsburgh & Los Angeles , providing insight into the ideological and cultural landscapes that shape these two cities.

PittsburghLos Angeles
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate to progressive, with emphasis on industrial and economic developmentProgressive, with strong focuses on environmental and social issues
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with Catholic and Protestant communitiesDiverse, with large Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities

While both cities lean Democratic, Los Angeles is known for its particularly strong progressive stance, reflecting in its dedication to environmental and social issues. This is a contrast to Pittsburgh, where politics, while still progressive, often tie back to its industrial roots and economic development concerns. On the religious front, you’ll find Los Angeles to be significantly more diverse, hosting large communities across a wider spectrum of faiths compared to Pittsburgh's primarily Christian demographic. Such dynamism not only influences the social fabric of the city but also the diverse cultural experiences available to you.

Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is pivotal when moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles, CA. This comparison will help you get a better grasp of what driving and transit options look like in these two vibrant cities.

ComparisonPittsburghLos Angeles
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2630
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?More difficultPossible but challenging

In both cities, planning your commute and considering traffic congestion is essential, but more so in Los Angeles due to its higher congestion score. Pittsburgh offers relatively better public transit options, making it somewhat easier to navigate without a car compared to Los Angeles, where the public transit system isn't as robust. However, it's important to note that while you might find it challenging to get by without a car in Los Angeles, neighborhoods like Downtown LA and Koreatown offer more transit options. On the other hand, Pittsburgh's compact city layout and its bus and light rail system make certain areas of the city more accessible without personal transportation.

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