Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati (Movers from $1,082)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Cincinnati costs $393 to $5,451 and takes 1-4 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 295-mile move yourself.
Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Cincinnati to Chicago guide.
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How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,082 - $3,638 | $792 - $1,890 | $385 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,870 - $5,451 | $1,395 - $2,515 | $393 - $858 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,666 - $7,217 | $1,750 - $3,382 | $537 - $1,013 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Cincinnati
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Cincinnati can be as low as $1,082 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,532.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $385 to $935. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Cincinnati will cost between $1,082 to $3,638. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,870 to $5,451, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Cincinnati will cost from $2,666 to $7,217.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Moving containers from Chicago to Cincinnati will cost you $792 to $1,890 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,395 to $2,515. A larger home will cost $1,750 to $3,382.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $385 to $725. A larger move will cost $393 to $858, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Cincinnati costs from $537 to $1,013. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Chicago to Cincinnati moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Cincinnati is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Cincinnati.
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- Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Cincinnati
Cost of living: Chicago vs Cincinnati
| Chicago | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,330 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $225,274 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $63,882 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $851 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,042 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.9% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 6.5% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 3.99% |
- Rent prices in Cincinnati are 17% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Cincinnati are 26.4% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Cincinnati is 2.6% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Cincinnati is 15.0% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 15.1% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 45.56% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Cincinnati are 36.59% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Cincinnati are 19.39% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,550.45 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Cincinnati?
| Cincinnati | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 45.52 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 48.42 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Cincinnati's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
- Cincinnati's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Cincinnati is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Cincinnati is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 36 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 45.52 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 45.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Cincinnati is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 48.42 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Cincinnati
- Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months..
- 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: 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 a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Ohio 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 forwarded to Cincinnati. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60603 (312) 561-3707 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Cincinnati
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Blue Chip City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Cincinnati.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Central Business District
- Clifton
- Columbia-Tusculum
- Oakley
- Over-The-Rhine
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Hyde Park
- Mount Adams
- Mount Lookout
- Oakley
- Pleasant Ridge
What to do in Cincinnati
These are some of the best things to do in your new Ohio home.
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
- Cincinnati Museum Center
- Cincinnati Music Hall
- Great American Ball Park
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory
- Fountain Square
- Cincinnati Observatory
- American Sign Museum
- Carew Tower Observation Deck
Get your sports on!
Cincinnati is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- FC Cincinnati (MLS)
- Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)
- Florence Y'alls (Frontier League)
- FC Cincinnati 2 (MLS Next Pro)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Cincinnati?
The best time to move from Chicago to Cincinnati is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Cincinnati in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Cincinnati take?
The 295-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Cincinnati, OH, takes 1-4 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cincinnati.
