($308+) Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Cleveland, OH, runs anywhere from $308 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,365 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 345 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $991, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,365 or more.
- Moving containers run $854 - $2,697, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $308 - $862.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Cleveland, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,663 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 Cleveland, OH
Moving options from Chicago to Cleveland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,663 - $4,625 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 345-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 345-mile route from Chicago to Cleveland, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $991 - $3,659 with full-service movers, $854 - $1,497 with a container, $308 - $620 with a rental truck, or $761 - $1,333 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,663 - $4,625 full-service, $1,103 - $2,038 by container, $334 - $706 by rental truck, or $900 - $1,748 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,310 - $6,365 full-service, $1,502 - $2,697 by container, $453 - $862 by rental truck, or $1,144 - $2,114 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Cleveland, Ohio, costs between $991 and $6,365. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 345-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $290 - $1,936, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Cleveland. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $3,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,663 - $4,625
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,310 - $6,365
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 Cleveland.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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 Cleveland, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Cleveland, 62% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $484 - $4,840 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $194 - $1,162/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $290 - $2,323 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $968 - $2,904 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,420 - $9,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $725 - $1,377 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $968 - $2,420 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $774 - $3,388 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $290 - $1,452 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $629 - $1,936 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $290 - $14,520+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $290 - $3,388+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Cleveland?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Cleveland with a local mover averages $1,679 - $4,671. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Chicago, IL can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 178 customers, 97.2% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Cleveland, Ohio, cost between $854 and $2,697. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $854 - $1,497
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,103 - $2,038
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,502 - $2,697
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $73 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $145 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 $678 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 Cleveland, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Ohio 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 $854. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,103 - $2,038.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Cleveland?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH
Renting a moving truck for the 345-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Cleveland, Ohio, costs between $308 and $862, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $29/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 Cleveland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $308 - $620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $334 - $706
- 4+ bedrooms: $453 - $862
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Cleveland starts at $308 - $862, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($106 - $121), overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $678 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 345-mile drive falls between $106 and $121, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $290 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Cleveland?
- 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 Cleveland, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Cleveland, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $871 and $1,748.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Cleveland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $761 - $1,333
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $900 - $1,748
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,144 - $2,114
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $73 - $145 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $678.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Cleveland?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Cleveland quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Cleveland, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Cleveland, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 83 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,295/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $96,509 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $39,187/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 57/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 36.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 345-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 345-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Cleveland, OH, run $991 - $6,365 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $854 - $2,697, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $308 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,663, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cleveland tend to point to abundant food options and beautiful nature, though construction and brutal winters come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Cleveland, OH
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH?
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 $334 - $706. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Cleveland a safe place to live?
Cleveland has a safety index of 36.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 63.41, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is 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.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.