How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Ohio?
Moving from Chicago to Ohio can cost as low as $323 for a small DIY move and as much as $6,093 for a large home using full-service movers.
See a full breakdown in the table below:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $984 - $3,859 | $904 - $1,564 | $323 - $594 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,561 - $4,767 | $1,142 - $2,283 | $338 - $725 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,507 - $6,093 | $1,495 - $2,783 | $457 - $841 |
Read our full guide on the cost of Chicago, IL movers.
What does a move from Chicago to Ohio actually cost? The quotes below come directly from moveBuddha's verified dataset. Prices shift based on home size, move date, and which services you add.
Best Chicago, IL to Ohio Movers
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co. (4.64/5 stars): Reebie Storage and Moving Co. is the best full-service mover from Chicago to Ohio.
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units Moving and Portable Storage is best for flexible timelines. Units Moving and Portable Storage gives you a flexible loading window without needing to drive anything yourself.
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is best for DIY movers on a budget. Renting a truck and driving yourself is the lowest-cost way to move from Chicago to Ohio.
| Mover | Best for | Rating | Avg 2-br quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | Full-service moving | 4.64 | $1,561 |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | Moving containers | 4.3 | $1,142 |
| Budget Truck Rental | Rental trucks | 4.3 | $338 |
Read our full guide on the best Chicago, IL movers.
Living in Ohio vs. Chicago, IL
Here's how Ohio compares to Illinois on cost of living, climate, and politics, so you know what to expect after the move.
| Illinois | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 94 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $66,990 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $230,798 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $945 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.5% |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 20ºF |
| Political leaning* | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 55-45 |
*Based on 2024 presidential election
How to move from Chicago to Ohio
Use this Chicago-specific checklist to plan your 315-mile move to Ohio and compare movers with confidence.
- Estimate your Chicago to Ohio moving cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your 315-mile move from Chicago to Ohio. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move on this route typically costs $1,561 to $4,767, with smaller DIY moves starting as low as $323.
- Choose your moving method. Pick the option that fits your budget and how hands-on you want to be: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), or a rental truck (cheapest, but you drive). Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service on this route; rental trucks save around 62%.
- Compare Chicago interstate movers. 51 moving companies licensed for interstate moves operate out of Chicago, so vet each carrier carefully. Verify every company's USDOT number at FMCSA.dot.gov before booking and compare movers using moveBuddha's verified-quote data for the Chicago to Ohio corridor.
- Get quotes and book your move. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks of lead time. Interstate capacity in Chicago is deep enough that availability is rarely the constraint, so use the runway to negotiate rather than to chase open dates. Collect at least 3 written quotes, take a room-by-room inventory survey, and confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding before you commit. On this route, packing labor, long-carry or stair fees, and valuation coverage are the line items most likely to differ between estimates.
- Pack for a 315-mile move from Chicago. Start packing non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks before pickup. Declutter before you pack to reduce weight-based interstate costs on the 315-mile haul from Chicago. Label boxes by room, pack a first-night essentials bag for your car, and confirm your mover's policy on plants and hazardous materials.
- Settle in Ohio. After delivery in Ohio, update your driver's license and vehicle registration if required, transfer utilities before move-in day, update voter registration, and notify your bank, employer, insurance carriers, and the IRS of your new address within 30 days.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
- Comparing movers with our moving cost calculator before booking helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average.
- Choose a moveBuddha Certified mover and you'll get $1,000 in added move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers if something goes wrong, helping you resolve issues and protect your move.
FAQ
What's the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Ohio?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Ohio. A 2-bedroom move on this route starts around $338 with a rental truck company like Budget Truck Rental.
How far in advance should I book movers from Chicago to Ohio?
4 to 6 weeks out is typically enough time to book movers from Chicago to Ohio. With 51 interstate-licensed movers operating out of Chicago, availability on this route is generally good. Booking earlier gives you more leverage to compare quotes and negotiate pricing.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle piano and antique moves?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What does it typically cost to move from Chicago to Ohio?
A 2-3 bedroom full-service move from Chicago to Ohio typically costs $1,561 to $4,767. DIY options like rental trucks and moving containers can bring that down significantly.
Is it cheaper to use a moving container, rental truck, or full-service movers?
Full-service movers cost the most but do all the work. Moving containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service on this route, and rental trucks save around 62%, but you handle the loading (and driving, for trucks) yourself.
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