($340+) St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Cincinnati, OH, runs anywhere from $340 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,245 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 349 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,041, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,245 or more.
- Moving containers run $845 - $2,724, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $340 - $853.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Cincinnati, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,599 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
Moving options from St. Louis to Cincinnati fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,599 - $4,628 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 28% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 78% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 349 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 349-mile route from St. Louis to Cincinnati, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,041 - $3,378, container $845 - $1,481, rental truck $340 - $602, freight trailer $776 - $1,333.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,599 - $4,628, container $1,158 - $2,164, rental truck $355 - $692, freight trailer $900 - $1,597.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,357 - $6,245, container $1,415 - $2,724, rental truck $440 - $853, freight trailer $1,179 - $2,050.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 349-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Cincinnati, Ohio, with prices running from $1,041 - $6,245. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $257 - $1,712 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between St. Louis and Cincinnati are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, St. Louis movers tend to run around $247 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,041 - $3,378
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,599 - $4,628
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,357 - $6,245
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from St. Louis to Cincinnati.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Cincinnati, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $428 - $4,280 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $171 - $1,027/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $257 - $2,054 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $856 - $2,568 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,140 - $8,560 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $641 - $1,218 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage | $856 - $2,140 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $685 - $2,996 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $257 - $1,284 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $556 - $1,712 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $257 - $12,840+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $257 - $2,996+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Cincinnati?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in St. Louis, MO?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from St. Louis to Cincinnati with a local mover averages $1,599 - $4,628. Working with a local mover based in St. Louis, MO often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.72/5 stars) is a local mover in St. Louis, based on our analysis of feedback from 273 customers, 83.5% of which is positive.
Address: 3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63129 | Founded: 1989
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Cincinnati, Ohio, cost between $845 and $2,724. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in St. Louis typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $845 - $1,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,158 - $2,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,415 - $2,724
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Louis, MO and Cincinnati, OH. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $599 in St. Louis, MO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $64 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $128 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $845. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,158 - $2,164.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis to Cincinnati?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in St. Louis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in St. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 349 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Cincinnati, Ohio, running $340 - $853. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $95 - $109
- Daily insurance: $26/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from St. Louis to Cincinnati based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $340 - $602
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $355 - $692
- 4+ bedrooms: $440 - $853
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $340 - $853 does not include fuel ($95 - $109), lodging ($128/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from St. Louis to Cincinnati typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $128 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in St. Louis, Missouri, usually costs about $599 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 349-mile drive falls between $95 and $109, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $43 and $257 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Cincinnati?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH
For larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Cincinnati, Ohio.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $900 and $1,597.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $776 - $1,333
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $900 - $1,597
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,179 - $2,050
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $64 - $128 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about five hours typically runs $599.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Cincinnati?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Cincinnati quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Cincinnati, OH
St. Louis and Cincinnati land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 84 in St. Louis and 88 in Cincinnati, and average rent is $1,250/mo vs. $1,450/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 66 vs 49 and safety scores are 30.35 vs 49.53.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cincinnati, OH to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Ohio over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 138 movers in our Missouri network to compare for this 349-mile move.
Our take
The 349-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Cincinnati, OH, costs between $1,041 and $6,245 with full-service movers, $845 - $2,724 with a moving container, and $340 - $853 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,599 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cincinnati tend to point to ample economic opportunity and low cost of living, though unpredictable weather and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Kroger and First Student.
FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Cincinnati, OH
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($95 - $109), daily insurance ($26/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $17) on top. Overnight stops can add another $128/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Louis, MO to Cincinnati, OH?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Cincinnati a safe place to live?
Cincinnati has a safety index of 49.53 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.47, compared to 30.35 and 69.65 in St. Louis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.