$1,113 Movers from Ohio to Chicago, IL

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Ohio to Chicago, IL averages from $393 to $5,492 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Chicago, IL.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Movers Cost: Chicago, IL to Ohio guide.

Moving from Ohio to Chicago, IL

  • Best Ohio to Chicago, IL movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Ohio to Chicago, IL.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Ohio to Chicago, IL car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 314 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Ohio to Chicago, IL Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How Much do Movers Cost?

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What is the average cost to move from Ohio to Chicago, IL?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,113 - $3,583 $705 - $1,683 $366 - $664
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,949 - $5,492 $1,278 - $2,430 $393 - $788
4+ bedrooms $2,860 - $7,452 $1,688 - $3,082 $486 - $941
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 314 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.

The cost to move from Ohio to Chicago, IL will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Ohio to Chicago, IL?

To ship furniture from Ohio to Chicago with a mover will cost between $1,113 to $3,583. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Chicago to IL will range from $1,949 to $5,492, and a large move from Ohio to Chicago will cost from $2,860 to $7,452.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Ohio to Chicago, IL?

Moving pods from Ohio to Chicago will cost you $705 to $1,683 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,278 to $2,430. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,688 to $3,082.

How much is a moving truck from Ohio to Chicago, IL?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $366 to $664. A larger move will cost $393 to $788, and a 4+ bedroom move from Ohio to Chicago costs from $486 to $941.

Is moving from Ohio to Chicago, IL a good idea?

Cost of Living: Ohio vs Chicago, IL

Ohio Chicago
Average rent cost $808 $1,595
Average home value $196,213 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $56,602 $65,601
Unemployment rate 4.5% 9.0%
State Income Tax 3.99% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 97% more expensive in Chicago than in Ohio.
  • Home prices are about 56.0% higher in Chicago than in Ohio.
  • The average income is about 15.9% higher in Chicago than in Ohio.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Ohio by about 100.0%.
  • Income taxes are 24.06% higher in Chicago than in Ohio.

How is life different in Chicago from Ohio?

Chicago Ohio
Population 2,746,388 11,780,017
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 53-45
Summer High 84ºF 84ºF
Winter Low 19ºF 20ºF
Annual Rain 38" 40"
Annual Snow 35" 28"
Crime Index 35.19 21.4
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 77% lower than the population of Ohio.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Ohio voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Ohio, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Ohio gets down to 20ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 40 inches of rainfall in Ohio.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 28 inches of snow in Ohio.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than Ohio with a crime index of 35.19 vs 21.4.

Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 forward to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Ohio movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moving Ahead Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
4708 Topps Industrial Pkwy, Willoughby, OH, 44094
(440) 256-2224
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7455 Alta View Boulevard, Worthington, OH, 43085
(614) 885-6683

Visit our Best Movers in Ohio page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Comparing the pros of Ohio vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Ohio vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in Ohio Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Low cost of living Delicious food
Bountiful recreational opportunities Abundant entertainment
Famously delicious beer Intense sports culture
Amazing food Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in Ohio vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Ohio for Chicago.

Cons of living in Ohio Cons of living in Chicago, IL
Low happiness High crime rate
Limited diversity Temperamental weather
Political division Terrible traffic
Harsh weather High taxes
Weird laws Pollution

Need a local Chicago mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(847) 378-4949

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Chicago?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.

Museums in Chicago

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicago

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicago

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

Universities in Chicago

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Ohio to Chicago?

Because of the 314 move, it’s best to book your move from Ohio to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally you’d book your move 2 to 3 months ahead of time.

What time of year is cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from Ohio during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long distance moving companies from Chicago?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long distance movers in Chicago.

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