Moving from Chicago to Columbus (Movers from $1,146)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Columbus costs $470 to $5,593 and takes 1-4 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 356-mile move yourself.
Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to Chicago guide.
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How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,146 - $3,710 | $738 - $1,952 | $411 - $766 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,056 - $5,593 | $1,365 - $2,822 | $470 - $946 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,329 - $7,879 | $1,957 - $3,250 | $537 - $1,153 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Columbus
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Columbus can be as low as $1,146 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,495.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $411 to $953. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Columbus?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Columbus will cost between $1,146 to $3,710. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,056 to $5,593, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Columbus will cost from $3,329 to $7,879.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Columbus?
Moving containers from Chicago to Columbus will cost you $738 to $1,952 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,365 to $2,822. A larger home will cost $1,957 to $3,250.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Columbus?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $411 to $766. A larger move will cost $470 to $946, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Columbus costs from $537 to $1,153. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Chicago to Columbus moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Columbus is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Columbus.
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- Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Columbus
Cost of living: Chicago vs Columbus
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,450 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $235,958 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $63,639 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $915 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,229 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.7% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 3.99% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 9% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Columbus are 22.9% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Columbus is 3.0% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 8.6% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 9.9% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 36.67% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Columbus are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 19.39% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,742.26 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Columbus?
| Columbus | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 37.49 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 56.58 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 67% less than Chicago.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Columbus is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 37.49 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 56.58 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Columbus
- Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move..
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
| Moovers Chicago Inc | Get A Quote |
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5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arch City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
What to do in Columbus
These are some of the best things to do in your new Ohio home.
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Easton Town Center
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
- North Market Farmer's Market
- Scioto Mile
- German Village
- Ohio Stadium
- Ohio Theater
- Otherworld
- Columbus Museum of Art
- Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
- Nationwide Arena
- Ohio State University
- Huntington Park
- Shadowbox Live
Get your sports on!
Columbus is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Columbus Crew (MLS)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
- Columbus Clippers (AAAE)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
The best time to move from Chicago to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Columbus take?
The 356-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, OH, takes 1-4 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
