($349+) Akron, OH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $346 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,245 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 366 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 $1,085, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,245 or more.
- Moving containers run $972 - $2,791, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $346 - $878.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,891 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 Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Akron to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,891 - $4,989 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 366 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 366-mile route from Akron to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,085 - $4,099 with full-service movers, $972 - $1,659 with a container, $346 - $677 with a rental truck, or $792 - $1,463 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,891 - $4,989 full-service, $1,161 - $2,216 by container, $376 - $765 by rental truck, or $956 - $1,808 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,912 - $7,245 full-service, $1,567 - $2,791 by container, $489 - $878 by rental truck, or $1,316 - $2,417 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 366-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,085 - $7,245. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $273 - $1,820. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Akron and Chicago. Local movers in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,085 - $4,099
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $4,989
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,912 - $7,245
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 Akron to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Illinois. 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.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $455 - $4,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $182 - $1,092/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $273 - $2,184 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $910 - $2,730 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,275 - $9,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $682 - $1,295 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $910 - $2,275 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage | $728 - $3,185 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers | $273 - $1,365 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $592 - $1,820 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $273 - $13,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $273 - $3,185+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Akron, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Akron to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,816 - $4,790. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Akron, OH 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.
Move For Less, LLC (4.66/5 stars) is a local mover in Akron, based on our analysis of feedback from 262 customers, 88.2% of which is positive.
Address: 380 Solon Rd STE 5, Bedford, OH, 44146 | Founded: 2010
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $972 and $2,791. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Akron typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $972 - $1,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,161 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,567 - $2,791
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Akron, OH and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $637 in Akron, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $68 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $137 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Illinois 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 $972. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,161 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Akron to Chicago?
- 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 Akron 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 Akron:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 29 years in business
- Move It Now (4.8/5), 16 years in business
- Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Akron, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $346 - $878 for the 366-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $106 - $121
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Akron to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $346 - $677
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $376 - $765
- 4+ bedrooms: $489 - $878
Pro tip: A rental truck from Akron to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $346 - $878. But once you factor in fuel ($106 - $121) , overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Akron, Ohio, usually costs about $637 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 366-mile drive falls between $106 and $121, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $46 and $273 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Chicago?
- 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 Akron, OH to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Akron, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $956 and $1,808.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $792 - $1,463
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $956 - $1,808
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,417
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $68 and $137.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $637.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago 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: Akron, OH vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Akron on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Akron, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 81 | 106 |
| Average rent | $950/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $111,626 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $48,544/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 50.39/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Chicago, IL to Akron, OH guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 103 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 366-mile move.
Our take
The 366-mile move from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,085 and $7,245 with full-service movers, $972 - $2,791 with a moving container, and $346 - $878 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 $1,891 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Chicago, IL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,085 to $7,245, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,085 and $7,245, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $376 - $765. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($106 - $121), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Akron, OH to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
