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Top-rated local movers that handle Akron to Chicago moves
When planning a move from Akron to Chicago, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 33 local movers in Akron who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Akron to Chicago.
- Summit Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Move It Now: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0603438-HG
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 2987151
Alternate Names: Summit Moving LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 00504589
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2048293
Alternate Names: Move It Now of Akron
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 00136576
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men And A Truck/Akron , E & V Ventures, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00146275
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Chicago?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $984 – $3,185 | $586 – $1,401 | $340 – $620 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,801 – $4,657 | $1,072 – $2,239 | $351 – $700 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,663 – $6,833 | $1,537 – $2,578 | $453 – $854 |
Cost to hire movers from Akron to Chicago
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Akron to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $984 and $3,185. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,801 to $4,657 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Akron to Chicago typically runs between $2,663 and $6,833.
Cost of moving containers from Akron to Chicago
When moving from Akron to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $586 and $1,401. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,072 to $2,239. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,537 up to $2,578. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Akron to Chicago
Renting a moving truck in Akron is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $340 and $620. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $351 and $700. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $453 and $854.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Akron to Chicago
The cost of Akron movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,419, but larger homes can run up to $5,981.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Akron.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($340–$795) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Akron to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 136% higher for singles and 125% higher for families than Akron.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Akron versus $1,543 in Akron; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,120.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Akron | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $983 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,300 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $121,327 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,971 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,543 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,120 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.75% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
- As you consider relocating to Chicago, note that rent can be roughly 115% more expensive than it is in Akron; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 144% higher in Chicago than in Akron.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 15% higher in Chicago compared to Akron, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 136% more than in Akron. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 125% more than it is in Akron.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 30% higher compared to Akron, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 52% higher in Chicago than in Akron. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 41% higher in Illinois compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Akron with Chicago:
| Living Expense | Akron | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $287.77 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.20 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.10 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Akron than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Akron than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Akron than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Akron than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Akron than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Akron than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Akron than in Chicago.
How life is different in Akron vs. Chicago
| Akron | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 72 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 50.39 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 1342% greater than Akron.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Akron’s score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Akron with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Akron’s 48 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Akron, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is higher than Akron with a score of 35.19 compared to Akron’s 5.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Akron with a score of 33.87 vs Akron’s 50.39.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Akron it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Akron to Chicago move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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 Chicago
Now that you’ve chosen Chi-Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it’s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Akron to Chicago?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Akron to Chicago are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Akron are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Akron to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from Akron to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Akron to Chicago take?
A move of 366 miles from Akron, OH to Chicago, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Akron sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chicago is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Akron?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Akron, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Akron offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 22 movers in Akron have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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Akron moving services
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