FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Ohio?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,006 – $2,881 | $593 – $1,509 | $356 – $667 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,721 – $4,531 | $1,062 – $2,120 | $387 – $790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,692 – $6,281 | $1,511 – $2,708 | $485 – $939 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,006 – $2,881
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,721 – $4,531
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,692 – $6,281
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Ohio?
- Small move: $593 – $1,509
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,062 – $2,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,511 – $2,708
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $356 – $667
- 2–3 bedrooms: $387 – $790
- 4+ bedrooms: $485 – $939
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 411-mile move from IL to OH using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to OH?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 7.23% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 3.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Ohio?
Rent is about 20% lower in Ohio than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $945
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 7% lower in Ohio than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $230,798
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% lower in Ohio than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $66,990
Is the overall cost of living higher in Ohio?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Ohio.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 94
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% lower in Ohio than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 7.23%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 29% lower in Ohio than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 3.5%
How is daily life different in Ohio compared to Illinois?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Ohio | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,785,935 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-45 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 20.76 | 19.7 |
Will Ohio feel more crowded than Illinois?
Ohio is about 6% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Ohio voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (20°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Ohio?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (40″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Ohio gets more snow (28 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Ohio safer than Illinois?
Ohio and Illinois have similar crime rates (20.76 vs. 19.7). It’s still smart to check the city/neighborhood level.
What are some things to do in Ohio?
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Ohio move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Ohio moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Ohio, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Ohio right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Ohio?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Ohio moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Ohio?
You don’t need a moving permit in Ohio, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
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