Top-rated movers to make your Cincinnati to Chicago move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Cincinnati that offers long-distance services to Chicago can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 12 top local movers in Cincinnati who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Cincinnati to Chicago.
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Chicago?
In Ohio, moving services typically cost around $153 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $922 – $3,131 | $570 – $1,431 | $309 – $549 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,660 – $4,645 | $1,055 – $1,981 | $310 – $636 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,341 – $6,462 | $1,436 – $2,480 | $403 – $798 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Chicago
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chicago from Cincinnati, you can expect prices to land between $922 and $3,131. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,660 to $4,645 for the trip from Cincinnati to Chicago. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,341 and $6,462.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Chicago
Moving containers from Cincinnati to Chicago will cost you $570 to $1,431 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,055 to $1,981. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,436 to $2,480. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Cincinnati to Chicago typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $309 and $549 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $310 to $636. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $403 to $798.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Cincinnati to Chicago move

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 48% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $9,266 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 41% higher than in Cincinnati, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Chicago are about 27% higher than those in Cincinnati.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 9% higher in Chicago compared to Cincinnati, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chicago, as living costs for a single person are 48% higher than in Cincinnati. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 44% higher than in Cincinnati.
- Chicago shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Cincinnati by around 84%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 58% more than in Cincinnati, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 41% above those in Ohio. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Cincinnati and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Chicago.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Chicago
| Cincinnati | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 72 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 788% greater than Cincinnati.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Chicago is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 35.19 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 33.87 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Illinois’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Planning your move to Chi-Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chicago.
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 settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at 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
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Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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