($562+) Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA, runs anywhere from $562 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,814 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 818 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,613, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,814 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,012 - $3,377, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $562 - $1,435.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,170 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 Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Columbus: 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 $2,170 - $5,183. Containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 72% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 818 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 818-mile route from Chicago to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,613 - $3,994 with full-service movers, $1,012 - $2,000 with a container, $562 - $1,069 with a rental truck, or $987 - $1,800 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,170 - $5,183 full-service, $1,314 - $2,587 by container, $600 - $1,283 by rental truck, or $1,150 - $2,156 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,769 - $7,814 full-service, $1,763 - $3,377 by container, $729 - $1,435 by rental truck, or $1,396 - $2,954 by freight.
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 Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia, costs between $1,613 and $7,814. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 818-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $284 - $1,896, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Columbus. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,613 - $3,994
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,170 - $5,183
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,769 - $7,814
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 Chicago to Columbus.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $948 - $2,844 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,370 - $9,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $710 - $1,349 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $616 - $1,896 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,318+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Columbus?
Movers licensed to operate in Georgia are typically members of the Georgia Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $1,012 and $3,377. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,012 - $2,000
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,314 - $2,587
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,763 - $3,377
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $142 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $664 in Chicago, IL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Columbus, GA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Georgia 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 $1,012. 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 $1,314 - $2,587.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Columbus?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Plan on $562 - $1,435 for a rental moving truck on the 818-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $247 - $282
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chicago 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 Chicago to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $562 - $1,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $600 - $1,283
- 4+ bedrooms: $729 - $1,435
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Columbus starts at $562 - $1,435, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($247 - $282), overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $71 and $332.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $142.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $247 and $282 for the 818-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $664 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Columbus?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, 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 Columbus, Georgia.
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 $1,150 and $2,156.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,800
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,150 - $2,156
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,954
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chicago, Illinois, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $664.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $142 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Columbus, GA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 78 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $179,307 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $56,622/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 25/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 27.82/100 |
| 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 Columbus, GA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Georgia 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 314 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 818-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 818-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA, run $1,613 - $7,814 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,012 - $3,377, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $562 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,170, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aflac and TSYS.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA?
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. Georgia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Georgia?
Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($247 - $282), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $142/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 25 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 31, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.