($927) Moving from Dayton to Chicago

Quick answer: A move from Dayton to Chicago costs $324 to $4,908 and takes one-four days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 297-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Dayton will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Dayton guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Dayton to Chicago moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Dayton to Chicago is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Dayton to Chicago.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Dayton to Chicago?

Dayton movers charge $140 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 $927 - $3,179 $590 - $1,541 $295 - $552
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,619 - $4,908 $1,093 - $2,074 $324 - $679
4+ bedrooms $2,283 - $6,692 $1,414 - $2,758 $405 - $818
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 297 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Dayton to Chicago

The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Dayton to Chicago can be as low as $927 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,381.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $295 to $733. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Dayton to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Dayton to Chicago will cost between $927 to $3,179. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,619 to $4,908, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Dayton to Chicago will cost from $2,283 to $6,692.

How much are moving container companies from Dayton to Chicago?

Moving containers from Dayton to Chicago will cost you $590 to $1,541 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,093 to $2,074. A larger home will cost $1,414 to $2,758.

How much is a moving truck from Dayton to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $295 to $552. A larger move will cost $324 to $679, and a four-bedroom move from Dayton to Chicago costs from $405 to $818. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Dayton to Chicago

Cost of living: Dayton vs Chicago

Dayton Chicago
Average rent cost $925 $1,595
Average home value $135,815 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $62,673 $65,601
Cost of Living (single person) $1,593 $1,001
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,788 $3,584
Unemployment rate 6.8% 9.0%
Sales Tax 7.5% 10.25%
State Income Tax 3.99% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 72% higher than in Dayton.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 125.4% higher than in Dayton.
  • Income in Chicago is 4.7% higher than in Dayton.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 37.2% lower than in Dayton.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 5.4% lower than in Dayton.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 32.35% higher than in Dayton.
  • Sales taxes in Chicago are 36.67% higher than in Dayton.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 24.06% higher than in Dayton.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,885.12 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.

How is life different in Dayton compared to Chicago?

Chicago Dayton
Population 2,746,388 137,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 77 45
Bike friendliness score 72 47
Crime Index 35.19 4.0
Safety Index 33.87 40.68
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 1,895% greater than Dayton.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Dayton's higher score of 6.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Dayton with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
  • Chicago is more bike-friendly than Dayton with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Dayton's 47.
  • Chicago's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 35.19 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Dayton with a score of 33.87 vs Dayton's 40.68.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Chicago

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Dayton movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mayberry's Van & Storage, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
1850 Cardington Rd, Dayton, OH, 45409
(937) 298-8800
Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
315 E 1st St, Dayton, OH, 45402
(937) 223-8165

Visit our best long distance movers in Dayton page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Chicago

These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

  • Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
  • Navy Pier
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  • 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Field Museum
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Wrigley Field
  • Chicago Pizza Tours
  • Oz Park
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Green Mill Jazz Club
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Second City

Get your sports on!

Chicago is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Dayton to Chicago?

The best time to move from Dayton to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Dayton.

When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Dayton to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Dayton to Chicago take?

The 297-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Chicago, IL, takes one-four days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources