($267+) Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Toledo, OH, runs anywhere from $267 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,309 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 244 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $892, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,309 or more.
- Moving containers run $779 - $2,366, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $267 - $695.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Toledo, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,480 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 Toledo, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Toledo: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,480 - $4,165. Containers cost roughly 31% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 80% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 244 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 244-mile route from Chicago to Toledo, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $892 for a studio up to $5,309 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $779 - $2,366 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $267 - $695, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $767 - $1,893, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 244-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Toledo, Ohio, with costs ranging from $892 - $5,309. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $283 - $1,888. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Toledo. 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 Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $892 - $3,538
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $4,165
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,884 - $5,309
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 Toledo.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Toledo, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $472 - $4,720 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $189 - $1,133/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $283 - $2,266 |
| 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 | $944 - $2,832 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,360 - $9,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $707 - $1,343 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $944 - $2,360 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $755 - $3,304 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $283 - $1,416 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $614 - $1,888 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $283 - $14,160+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $283 - $3,304+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Toledo?
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 Toledo with a local mover averages $1,539 - $4,331. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Chicago, IL can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
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 Toledo, OH
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Toledo, Ohio, cost between $779 and $2,366. 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 Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $779 - $1,483
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,027 - $1,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,365 - $2,366
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 $661 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 Toledo, 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 $779. 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 $1,027 - $1,956.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
Plan on $267 - $695 for a rental moving truck on the 244-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Toledo, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $73 - $84
- 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 Toledo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $267 - $474
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $295 - $584
- 4+ bedrooms: $368 - $695
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Toledo starts at $267 - $695, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($73 - $84), overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
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 $661.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $73 - $84 for the 244-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 $57 and $307, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $142 per night for hotel stops on the 244-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $283 - $425.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Toledo?
- 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 Toledo, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Toledo, Ohio, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $871 and $1,565.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Toledo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $767 - $1,257
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,565
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,048 - $1,893
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 $71 - $142 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $661.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Toledo?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Toledo fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Toledo, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Toledo, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Toledo, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 77 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $900/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $103,771 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $47,532/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 46/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 32.56/100 |
| 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 Toledo, OH to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Ohio 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 314 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 244-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Toledo, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $892 - $5,309 on the 244-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $779 - $2,366, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $267 - $695. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,480 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Toledo tend to point to low cost of living and creative spirit, though bad weather and rampant drug problem come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Faurecia Exhaust Systems and Marco's Pizza.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Toledo, OH
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Toledo, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($73 - $84), 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.
How walkable is Toledo?
Toledo has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, 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.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Toledo, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $267 to $5,309, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $892 and $5,309, 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 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.