($327+) Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $327 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,984 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 355 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 $1,057, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,984 or more.
- Moving containers run $857 - $2,774, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $327 - $856.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,841 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbus to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,841 - $5,056. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 80% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 355 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 355-mile route from Columbus to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,057 - $3,875 | $857 - $1,567 | $327 - $646 | $819 - $1,453 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,841 - $5,056 | $1,153 - $2,093 | $377 - $723 | $949 - $1,657 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,835 - $6,984 | $1,571 - $2,774 | $454 - $856 | $1,184 - $2,175 |
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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
For the 355-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,057 and $6,984. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $291 - $1,940 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Columbus generally start around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,057 - $3,875
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,841 - $5,056
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,835 - $6,984
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 Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Columbus 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 packing72% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Planes Moving & Storage Company | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois 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 Columbus, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,914 - $5,258. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Columbus, 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.
MVM Moving & Storage (4.8/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Columbus, ranked #1 in Ohio, based on our analysis of feedback from 989 customers, 95.4% of which is positive.
Address: 3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 | Founded: 2005
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $857 and $2,774. 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 Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $857 - $1,567
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,153 - $2,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,571 - $2,774
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbus, OH and Chicago, IL. 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 $679 in Columbus, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 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 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 $857. 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 $1,153 - $2,093.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 355 miles from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, running $327 - $856. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $110 - $125
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Columbus to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $327 - $646
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $377 - $723
- 4+ bedrooms: $454 - $856
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $327 - $856 does not include fuel ($110 - $125), lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Chicago 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 $146 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 Columbus, Ohio, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 355-mile drive falls between $110 and $125, 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 $49 and $291 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $873 and $1,657.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $819 - $1,453
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $949 - $1,657
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,175
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $146 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Columbus, Ohio, typically costs $679.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus 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 Columbus 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: Columbus, 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,441/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $233,368 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $65,327/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 50.35/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Ohio alone has 214 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 355-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 355-mile route from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL, run $1,057 - $6,984 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $857 - $2,774, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $327 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,841, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $327 to $6,984, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,057 and $6,984, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($110 - $125), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.