Moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati costs between $325 to $7,063 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 248-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Cleveland to Cincinnati
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Cleveland to driving and unloading in Cincinnati, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 248 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,855 - $5,538 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,262 - $2,309 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $352 - $732 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $75/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Cincinnati?
It costs between $325 to $7,063 to move from Cleveland to Cincinnati. The prices below break down your 248-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,094 - $7,063
- Moving containers: $1,018 - $3,061
- Rental trucks: $325 - $812
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,094 - $4,350 | $1,018 - $1,752 | $325 - $625 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,855 - $5,538 | $1,262 - $2,309 | $352 - $732 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,581 - $7,063 | $1,661 - $3,061 | $457 - $812 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $249 - $2,075+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $166 - $664 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $42 - $166 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Cleveland to Cincinnati
At 248 miles, your Cleveland to Cincinnati move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Cleveland to Cincinnati. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 248 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Cleveland to Cincinnati. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 95.1% of their 246 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cincinnati to Cleveland guide.
Considerations when moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati
Cost of living: Cleveland vs. Cincinnati
The cost of living in Cleveland vs. Cincinnati goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Cincinnati stacks up against Cleveland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Cleveland | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,450 |
| Average home cost | $96,509 | $213,219 |
| Average income (per capita) | $39,187 | $51,707 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,490 | $2,467 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,729 | $6,418 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 4.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 6.5% |
- Rent prices in Cincinnati are 12% higher than in Cleveland. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Cincinnati are 121% higher than in Cleveland. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Cincinnati, where the average salary is 32% higher than in Cleveland, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- If you’re moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati, you’ll find that everyday costs are pretty much the same. As long as your income stays steady, your budget shouldn’t take a hit after the move.
- You can expect the cost of living in Cincinnati to be about the same as it was in Cleveland, so your budget shouldn’t take much of a hit after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 28% lower than in Cleveland, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll benefit from 19% lower sales taxes in Cincinnati compared to Cleveland, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Cleveland, expect to budget around $2,970 to maintain the same lifestyle in Cincinnati.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Cincinnati
As you plan your move, comparing life in Cleveland vs. Cincinnati is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Cleveland and Cincinnati to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Cleveland | Cincinnati | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 309,317 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Republican 55-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 22ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 54" | 15" |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 48.47 |
Cincinnati sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Cincinnati is about 17% less populated than Cleveland. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Cleveland and Cincinnati siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Cincinnati and Cleveland are nearly identical, with averages around 86°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Cleveland and Cincinnati experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 22°F and 22°F.
- Cincinnati usually sees more rain than Cleveland, averaging 44 inches of annual rainfall, while Cleveland gets only 38 inches.
- On average, Cleveland receives more snowfall than Cincinnati, with 54 each year versus Cincinnati’s 15.
- Cincinnati has a lower crime rate than Cleveland, with a crime index of 48.47 vs 63.41.
Things to do in Cincinnati
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Cincinnati has something for everyone.
Museums in Cincinnati
- American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- American Sign Museum
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Betts House
- Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education
Parks in Cincinnati
- Ault Park
- Smale Riverfront Park
- Mt. Airy Forest
- Eden Park
- Inwood Park
Sports teams in Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- FC Cincinnati (MLS)
- Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)
- Florence Y'alls (Frontier League)
Universities in Cincinnati
- Art Academy of Cincinnati
- Art Institute of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Christian University
- Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Cleveland to Cincinnati?
Moving your furniture from Cleveland to Cincinnati with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,063 to $3,679. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,855 and $5,538. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,581 to $7,063 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Cleveland to Cincinnati?
If you’re moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $702 to $1,671. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,262 and $2,309. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,661 to $3,061.
How much is a moving truck from Cleveland to Cincinnati?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $342 and $625. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $352 to $732. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati, rental prices generally fall between $457 and $812.
How far in advance should I book Cleveland-to-Cincinnati movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Cleveland to Cincinnati at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Cleveland-to-Cincinnati movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Cincinnati?
If you want to save money on your move to Cincinnati, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
