Moving from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA: Movers and Cost
Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA averages from $631 to $5,847 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Columbus, GA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to Chicago guide.
- Best Chicago to Columbus movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Columbus.
- How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Chicago to Columbus car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 821 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,196 - $4,243 | $799 - $1,939 | $584 - $1,101 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,373 - $5,847 | $1,437 - $2,831 | $631 - $1,308 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,040 - $8,053 | $1,930 - $3,695 | $790 - $1,587 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 821 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Chicago to Columbus will depend on:
- Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
- Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.
How Much do Movers Cost?
Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.
Who Are The Best Chicago to Columbus Movers?
Hiring a moving company is a big deal.
We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
Best Overall Value
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Get A Quote
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American Van Lines
Best industry reputation
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Get A Quote
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International Van Lines
Best customer service
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Get A Quote
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Columbus?
To ship furniture from Chicago to Columbus with a mover will cost between $1,196 to $4,243. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,373 to $5,847, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Columbus will cost from $4,040 to $8,053.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Columbus?
Moving containers from Chicago to Columbus will cost you $799 to $1,939 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,437 to $2,831. A larger home will cost $1,930 to $3,695.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Columbus?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $584 to $1,101. A larger move will cost $631 to $1,308, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Columbus costs from $790 to $1,587.
How to ship a car from Chicago to Columbus?
If you're moving from Chicago to Columbus and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Chicago to Columbus car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.
Is moving from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA a good idea?
Cost of Living: Chicago vs Columbus
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $800 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $144,094 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $46,408 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,286 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,228 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 5.75% |
- Rent Prices in Columbus, GA are 50% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Home Prices in Columbus, GA are 52.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Income in Columbus, GA is 29.3% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Cost of Living for a single person in Columbus, GA is 28.5% higher than in Chicago, IL.
- Cost of Living for a family in Columbus, GA is 9.9% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Unemployment rate in Columbus, GA is 44.44% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- Sales Taxes in Columbus, GA are 12.20% lower than in Chicago, IL.
- State Income Taxes in Columbus, GA are 16.16% higher than in Chicago, IL.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,145.9 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA?
| Columbus | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 39.07 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 25.48 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Columbus’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 2 vs 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 25 vs 77.
- Columbus is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 31 vs 72.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 39.07 compared to 35.19.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 25.48 vs 33.87.
- Air Quality in Columbus is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Considerations for moving to Columbus, GA
- Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters..
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State Licensing: Georgia movers aren’t technically regulated, but the Georgia Department of Public Safety enforces commercial vehicle laws and monitors motor carriers that operate within the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Local Chicago Movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellhop | Get A Quote |
125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
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| Moovers Chicago Inc | Get A Quote |
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625 (773) 474-2691 |
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| STI Moving & Storage Inc. | Get A Quote |
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077 (847) 675-1223 |
Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Columbus
Moving to The “The Lowell of the South[”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Georgia home.
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- Columbus Riverwalk
- National Civil War Naval Museum
- Columbus Museum
- Flat Rock Park
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center
- Columbus Botanical Garden
- The Lunch Box Museum
- Georgia Visitor Information Center - Columbus
Get your sports on!
Columbus is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Columbus Lions (NAL)
- Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)
- Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)
- Columbus Rapids (NISL)
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