($346+) Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $374 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,030 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 355 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 $1,188, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,030 or more.
- Moving containers run $954 - $2,993, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $374 - $961.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,872 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbus to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,872 - $4,886. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 355-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 355-mile route from Columbus to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,188 for a studio up to $7,030 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $954 - $2,993 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $374 - $961, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $800 - $2,210, 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 355-mile relocation from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,188 and $7,030. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $291 - $1,940, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Columbus typically charge a base rate around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $3,860
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,872 - $4,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,823 - $7,030
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 Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Columbus 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 | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Columbus, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Columbus to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,965 - $5,130. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Columbus, OH often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
MVM Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) is a local mover in Columbus, based on our analysis of feedback from 257 customers, 96.9% of which is positive.
Address: 3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 | Founded: 2005
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $954 and $2,993. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $954 - $1,576
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,520 - $2,993
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Columbus, 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 $679 in Columbus, OH, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 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 $954. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,208 - $2,193, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $374 - $961 for the 355-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $110 - $125
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Columbus to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $374 - $651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $403 - $804
- 4+ bedrooms: $470 - $961
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbus to Chicago starts at $374 - $961, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($110 - $125) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $110 - $125 for the 355-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours typically costs around $679.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 355-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $900 and $1,899.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $900 - $1,899
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,278 - $2,210
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $73 and $146 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Columbus to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Columbus, 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 Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,441/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $233,368 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $65,327/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 50.35/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Columbus, 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 355-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,188 - $7,030 on the 355-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $954 - $2,993 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $374 - $961 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,872 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Columbus, OH, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
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.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 50.35 and 49.65 in Columbus. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
