($366+) Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $381 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,155 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 355 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 $1,151, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,155 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,039 - $2,982, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $381 - $1,027.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,848 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
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 $1,848 - $5,234. 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 1 to 4 days for this 355-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 355-mile route from Chicago to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,151 for a studio up to $7,155 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,039 - $2,982 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $381 - $1,027, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $855 - $2,485, 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 August 31, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 355-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,151 - $7,155. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $300 - $2,000. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Columbus. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $3,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,848 - $5,234
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,993 - $7,155
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 Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Add-ons and specialty services from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Chicago to Columbus) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Columbus | $264/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Columbus | $68/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Columbus | $61/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Columbus?
Movers licensed to operate in Ohio are typically members of the Ohio Association of Movers, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Columbus with a local mover averages $1,884 - $5,338. 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 the top overall local mover in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,039 and $2,982. 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: $1,039 - $1,826
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,266 - $2,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $2,982
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $150 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 $700 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, 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 $1,039. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,266 - $2,514, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Columbus?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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:
- Alliance Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- 606 Movers, Inc. (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Columbus, Ohio, range from $381 - $1,027 for the 355-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $113 - $129
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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: $381 - $710
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $402 - $826
- 4+ bedrooms: $498 - $1,027
Pro tip: The base rate of $381 - $1,027 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Columbus. Fuel ($113 - $129) , lodging at around $150/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $700.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $113 - $129 for the 355-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $325, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night for hotel stops on the 355-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $300 - $450.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Columbus?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Lower advertised base rates than U-Haul or Penske, combined with AAA, military, and online booking discounts, make Budget the most affordable major rental option.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable rental on this list. Penske runs one of the youngest fleets in the industry (averaging under 2 years old) and includes 24/7 roadside support and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability pick. U-Haul's 23,000+ locations and 7 truck sizes make it the easiest rental to book on short notice, especially for one-way and same-day moves.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
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, Ohio.
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 $971 and $1,894.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $855 - $1,531
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $971 - $1,894
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,485
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $75 - $150 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $700.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- 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 based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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, OH
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, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 50.35/100 |
| 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, OH to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 336 real quotes from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 355-mile move.
Our take
The 355-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, OH, costs between $1,151 and $7,155 with full-service movers, $1,039 - $2,982 with a moving container, and $381 - $1,027 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,848 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, OH
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 are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
