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Top-rated local movers that handle Cincinnati to Fort Wayne moves
When planning a move from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 12 local movers in Cincinnati who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
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 #: 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 #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- 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 #: 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 Fort Wayne?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 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 | $727 – $2,754 | $515 – $1,253 | $180 – $325 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,320 – $3,709 | $950 – $1,722 | $196 – $380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,857 – $4,820 | $1,264 – $2,070 | $246 – $432 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, you can expect to spend between $727 and $2,754. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,320 to $3,709 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne typically runs between $1,857 and $4,820.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne
When moving from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $515 and $1,253. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $950 to $1,722. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,264 up to $2,070. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck in Cincinnati is usually your cheapest option to get to Fort Wayne. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $180 and $325. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $196 and $380. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $246 and $432.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,000, but larger homes can run up to $4,476.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Cincinnati.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($180–$416) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Fort Wayne runs about 5% higher for singles and -51% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $2,600 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $3,150 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,233 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $2,367 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $53,978 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $2,600 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $3,150 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.1% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.15% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 20% lower in Fort Wayne than in Cincinnati, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Fort Wayne and Cincinnati, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 18% less in Fort Wayne than in Cincinnati.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Fort Wayne and Cincinnati, you shouldn’t see much difference.
- Moving to Fort Wayne could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 51% less than in Cincinnati.
- Both Fort Wayne and Cincinnati present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 8% higher in Fort Wayne than in Cincinnati. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 10% lower in Indiana compared to Ohio. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Cincinnati with Fort Wayne:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $245.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $56.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $2.87 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs cost more in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne.
- Bread is more expensive in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Fort Wayne
| Cincinnati | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 265,974 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 41 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 40.9 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 59.1 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is about 14% less than Cincinnati.
- Fort Wayne’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Fort Wayne 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.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 40.9 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be safer than Cincinnati with a safety index of 59.1 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Fort Wayne move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Indiana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Fort Wayne smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve chosen City of Churches as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Fort Wayne to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it’s time to see what Fort Wayne is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Fort Wayne offers cultural landmarks like the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Cincinnati are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne?
Because spring and fall moves from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne take?
A move of 179 miles from Cincinnati, OH to Fort Wayne, generally takes one to two days. Movers in Cincinnati sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Fort Wayne is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Cincinnati?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Cincinnati offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Cincinnati have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
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