($347+) Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $329 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,091 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 344 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 $1,137, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,091 or more.
- Moving containers run $923 - $2,916, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $329 - $896.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cleveland, OH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,871 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Cleveland to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,871 - $5,203. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 344 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 344-mile route from Cleveland to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,137 for a studio up to $7,091 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $923 - $2,916 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $329 - $896, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $831 - $2,310, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,137 and $7,091. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 344-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $277 - $1,844, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Cleveland and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Cleveland tend to start around $185 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cleveland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $4,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,871 - $5,203
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,762 - $7,091
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 Cleveland 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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Cleveland 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 | $461 - $4,610 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $184 - $1,106/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $277 - $2,213 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $922 - $2,766 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,305 - $9,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $691 - $1,312 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items39% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Move For Less, LLC | $922 - $2,305 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $738 - $3,227 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $277 - $1,383 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage | $599 - $1,844 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $277 - $13,830+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $277 - $3,227+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cleveland to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Cleveland, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Cleveland to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,964 - $5,463. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Cleveland, OH can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Move For Less, LLC (4.66/5 stars) is a local mover in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $923 and $2,916. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Cleveland typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cleveland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $923 - $1,538
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,123 - $2,316
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,469 - $2,916
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $138 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $645 in Cleveland, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $923. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,123 - $2,316, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland:
- Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- A to Z Moving and Driving, LLC (4.7/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Plan on $329 - $896 for a rental moving truck on the 344-mile route from Cleveland, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $101 - $115
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Cleveland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Cleveland to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $329 - $613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $358 - $748
- 4+ bedrooms: $462 - $896
Pro tip: A rental truck from Cleveland to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $329 - $896. But once you factor in fuel ($101 - $115) , overnight lodging ($138/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Cleveland, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $645.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $101 - $115 for the 344-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $300, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $138 per night for hotel stops on the 344-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $277 - $415.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Cleveland, 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 $907 and $1,818.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cleveland to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $831 - $1,516
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $907 - $1,818
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,200 - $2,310
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $69 - $138 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Cleveland, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $645.
What are the best freight companies from Cleveland to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Cleveland to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Cleveland, 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 Cleveland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 83 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,295/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $96,509 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $39,187/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 57/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 36.59/100 | 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 Cleveland, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 344-mile move.
Our take
A move from Cleveland, OH, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,137 - $7,091 on the 344-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $923 - $2,916, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $329 - $896. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,871 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 Cleveland, OH, to Chicago, IL
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Cleveland, 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 $358 - $748. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 36.59 and 63.41 in Cleveland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Cleveland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 39% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
