Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to Cincinnatitoggle

The cost of Boston 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 Boston to Cincinnati can be as low as $1,323 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,549.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Boston, 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 $693 to $1,820. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Boston to Cincinnati

Moving from Boston to Cincinnati means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in Cincinnati, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Boston compares to Cincinnati so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Boston Cincinnati
Average rent cost $3,400 $1,450
Average home value $739,121 $232,735
Average income (per capita) $89,212 $65,682
Cost of living (single person) $4,820 $2,467
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,304 $6,418
Unemployment rate 6.2% 4.9%
Sales tax 6.25% 6.5%
State income tax 9.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cincinnati are 57% lower than in Boston, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Cincinnati.
    Home prices in Cincinnati are 68.5% lower than in Boston.
  • Income in Cincinnati is 26.4% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Cincinnati is 48.8% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 43.2% lower than in Boston.
  • The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 20.97% lower than in Boston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cincinnati are 4.00% higher than in Boston.
  • One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 61.11% lower than in Boston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,535.48 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.

How life is different in Boston vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Boston
Population 309,317 675,647
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 49 98
Bike friendliness score 36 86
Crime Index 48.47 39.88
Safety Index 49.53 60.12
Air Quality Good Good
  • Cincinnati's population is about 54% less than Boston.
  • Cincinnati's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
  • Cincinnati is less walkable than Boston with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score 36 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati's crime rate is higher than Boston with a score of 48.47 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
  • Cincinnati is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 49.53 vs Boston's 60.12.
  • Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Boston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Boston vs. Cincinnati move

  • Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Cincinnati. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Cincinnati

Ready to relocate to "Blue Chip City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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

Things to do in Cincinnati

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Cincinnati has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Cincinnati is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Boston to Cincinnati?

The best time to move from Boston to Cincinnati is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Boston.

When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Cincinnati?

Because most people are moving from Boston 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 Boston to Cincinnati take?

The 881-mile move from Boston, MA, to Cincinnati, OH, takes two to seven days. Some Boston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cincinnati.

Helpful moving resources