Top local movers for Cincinnati to Chattanooga moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Cincinnati that also provides long-distance services to Chattanooga can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 12 local movers in Cincinnati who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Cincinnati to Chattanooga.
- 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 Chattanooga?
Movers in Ohio generally charge an average of $153 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $974 – $3,216 | $648 – $1,416 | $326 – $626 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,677 – $4,996 | $1,173 – $2,090 | $351 – $700 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,746 – $6,833 | $1,537 – $2,768 | $457 – $915 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Chattanooga
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Chattanooga typically costs between $974 and $3,216. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,677 and $4,996 when moving from Cincinnati to Chattanooga. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,746 up to $6,833.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Chattanooga
If you’re relocating from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, you’ll typically spend between $648 and $1,416 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,173 up to $2,090. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,537 and $2,768. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Chattanooga
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Cincinnati to Chattanooga move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $326 and $626. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $351 to $700. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $457 and $915.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Cincinnati to Chattanooga
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Cincinnati to Chattanooga might be as low as $1,324, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,981.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Cincinnati.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $326 to $827 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Chattanooga
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chattanooga runs about 34% higher for singles and -32% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $3,300 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $4,350 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,517 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $3,138 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $302,565 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $60,164 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $3,300 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Switching from Cincinnati to Chattanooga won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 30% higher in Chattanooga than in Cincinnati.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 8% lower in Chattanooga than in Cincinnati.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Chattanooga, as the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 34% greater than in Cincinnati. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to Chattanooga could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 32% lower than in Cincinnati.
- The unemployment rate in Chattanooga exceeds that of Cincinnati by about 14%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Chattanooga exceed those in Cincinnati by 42%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Cincinnati and Chattanooga, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Chattanooga |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $160.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $56.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $3.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Chattanooga
| Cincinnati | Chattanooga | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 181,099 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 29 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 35 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 53.89 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 46.11 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chattanooga’s population is about 41% less than Cincinnati.
- Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Chattanooga is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- Both Chattanooga and Cincinnati have similar bike-friendliness scores (36 vs 35), meaning Chattanooga is about as safe for cyclists as Cincinnati. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Cincinnati with a score of 53.89 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 46.11 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Chattanooga move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chattanooga without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chattanooga
Ready to relocate to Scenic City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chattanooga.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Southside
- Martin Luther King
- Fort Wood
- Lookout Mountain
- West Village
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Shore
- St. Elmo
- Lookout Mountain
- Highland Park
- Orchard Knob
Things to do in Chattanooga
Now that you’ve made the move to Tennessee, it’s the perfect time to explore Chattanooga. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chattanooga include museums and art centers like the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Chattanooga?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Cincinnati to Chattanooga. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Chattanooga?
With many people choosing to move from Cincinnati to Chattanooga in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Chattanooga take?
Covering 359 miles, the move from Cincinnati, OH to Chattanooga, typically takes one to four days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chattanooga can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Cincinnati offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Cincinnati can handle specialty items for my move to Chattanooga?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Cincinnati, 3 movers can handle pianos. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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