How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to OH move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Ohio?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Ohio.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| 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 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 411-mile move from IL to
OH using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Ohio
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Ohio,
you can expect prices to land between $1,006
and $2,881.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,721 to
$4,531 for the trip from IL
to OH. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$2,692 and
$6,281.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Ohio
Moving containers from Illinois to Ohio
will cost you $593 to
$1,509 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,062
to $2,120. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,511 to
$2,708.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Ohio
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$356
and $667
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $387
to $790.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$485
to $939.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to OH
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Ohio. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Illinois generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IL to OH
Making the move from Illinois to Ohio means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Ohio
A clear look at the cost differences between Illinois and Ohio helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
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% |
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You’ll pay about 20% less in rent in Ohio compared to Illinois, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Ohio are around 7% lower than in Illinois. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 15% lower Ohio than in Illinois.
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Since living costs in Ohio and Illinois are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 32% lower than Illinois, Ohio offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in Ohio is 18% lower than in Illinois. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Ohio could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in Ohio are 29% lower than in Illinois. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Ohio vs. Illinois
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Ohio and Illinois compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
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 |
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The population of Ohio is about 6% smaller than that of Illinois.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Ohio voted Republican, while Illinois chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 84°F in Ohio, compared to 86°F in Illinois.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Ohio hover around 20°F, while Illinois averages 17°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Ohio and 40 inches in Illinois.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
Each year, Ohio gets about 28 inches of snow, while Illinois sees only 22 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Both Ohio and Illinois have similar crime rates (19.7).
Keep in mind, though, that crime rates can differ significantly from one city or neighborhood to another, so be sure to check local statistics for more accurate information.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Ohio
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Ohio compared to Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Home of chicago |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Delicious food |
Famously delicious beer |
| World-class sports culture |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Ohio
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Illinois to Ohio:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Ohio |
| Harsh winter weather |
Low happiness |
| Bad traffic |
Limited diversity |
| High crime rate |
Political division |
| Dull landscape |
Harsh weather |
| Strict laws |
Weird laws |
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.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Ohio moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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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.
Things to do in Ohio
You’ll have plenty to explore in Ohio! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Ohio?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Ohio?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Illinois for Ohio, drawn by advantages like ample economic opportunity and low cost of living that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Ohio?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Ohio.
Housing
is much more affordable in Ohio,
with average rent about 20% less and home prices 7% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Ohio, you should aim to make around $65,241.
On average, expect to spend about $2,580 per month, or $6,799 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Columbus and Cleveland generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Many movers in Illinois publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Illinois to Ohio, budget between $1,721–$4,531 for full-service movers, around
$1,591 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$588
for a rental truck.
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