($607+) Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA, runs anywhere from $601 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,727 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,675, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,727 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,140 - $3,692, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $601 - $1,586.
- 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 $2,371 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,371 - $5,784. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 818-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 818-mile route from Chicago to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,675 for a studio up to $7,727 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,140 - $3,692 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $601 - $1,586, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,016 - $2,894, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
For the 818-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia, full-service movers cost between $1,675 and $7,727. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $284 - $1,896 (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 Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,675 - $4,458
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,371 - $5,784
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,916 - $7,727
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Georgia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the Georgia Movers Association, the group most Georgia 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia, cost between $1,140 and $3,692. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $2,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,466 - $2,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,986 - $3,692
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 $1,140. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,466 - $2,886, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 818 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Georgia, running $601 - $1,586. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $601 - $1,067
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $630 - $1,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $789 - $1,586
Pro tip: The base rate of $601 - $1,586 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Columbus. Fuel ($247 - $282) , lodging at around $142/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $142 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $62 and $308 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $247 - $282 in fuel for the 818-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $664 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,138 and $2,217.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,217
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,496 - $2,894
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $71 and $142.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $664.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Columbus. 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: 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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Georgia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 818-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,675 - $7,727 on the 818-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,140 - $3,692 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $601 - $1,586 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,371 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aflac and TSYS.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA
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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $630 - $1,334. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Columbus, GA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,675 to $7,727, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,675 and $7,727, 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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Columbus run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
