($354+) Akron, OH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $354 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,847 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 366 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 $1,090, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,847 or more.
- Moving containers run $866 - $2,802, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $354 - $882.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,858 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Akron to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,858 - $4,958. Moving containers run about 37% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 80% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 366-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 366-mile route from Akron to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,090 - $3,609 with full-service movers, $866 - $1,646 with a container, $354 - $615 with a rental truck, or $772 - $1,340 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,858 - $4,958 full-service, $1,176 - $2,093 by container, $377 - $774 by rental truck, or $877 - $1,743 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,948 - $6,847 full-service, $1,571 - $2,802 by container, $445 - $882 by rental truck, or $1,148 - $2,132 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 366-mile relocation from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,090 and $6,847. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $273 - $1,820, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Akron typically charge a base rate around $199 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,090 - $3,609
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,858 - $4,958
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,948 - $6,847
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 Akron to Chicago.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 58% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $455 - $4,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $182 - $1,092/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $273 - $2,184 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $910 - $2,730 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,275 - $9,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $682 - $1,295 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $910 - $2,275 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $728 - $3,185 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $273 - $1,365 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $592 - $1,820 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $273 - $13,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $273 - $3,185+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Akron, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Akron to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,803 - $4,810. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Akron, OH can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Akron, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,575 customers, 97.1% of which is positive.
Address: 4517 Industrial Pkwy, Cleveland, OH, 44135 | Founded: 1995
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $866 and $2,802. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Akron typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $866 - $1,646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,571 - $2,802
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Akron, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $637, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $68 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $137 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Akron, OH, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Illinois 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 $866. 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 $1,176 - $2,093.
What are the best moving containers Akron to Chicago?
- 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 Akron 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 Akron:
- Summit Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 69 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 30 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Plan on $354 - $882 for a rental moving truck on the 366-mile route from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Akron 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 Akron to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $354 - $615
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $377 - $774
- 4+ bedrooms: $445 - $882
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Akron to Chicago starts at $354 - $882, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($106 - $121), overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Akron, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $637.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $106 - $121 for the 366-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $296, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night for hotel stops on the 366-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $273 - $410.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Chicago?
- 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 Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $877 and $1,743.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $772 - $1,340
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $877 - $1,743
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,132
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $68 - $137 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $637.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Akron to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Akron, OH vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Akron on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Akron, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 81 | 106 |
| Average rent | $950/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $111,626 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $48,544/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 50.39/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Akron, OH guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 214 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 366-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,090 for a studio to $6,847 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 366-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $866 - $2,802. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $354 - $882, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,858 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL
What do local movers charge in Akron?
Local movers based in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate, plus $80/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 48 and 43 in Akron. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 50.39 and 5.0 in Akron. 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 Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.