($1,123) Moving from Chicago to Columbus
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Columbus costs $648 to $5,493 and takes two-seven 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 818-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago 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 Columbus to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Columbus moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Columbus 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 Chicago to Columbus.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Chicago movers charge $100 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 | $1,123 - $4,068 | $821 - $1,878 | $606 - $1,131 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,229 - $5,493 | $1,378 - $2,657 | $648 - $1,228 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,108 - $8,033 | $1,811 - $3,761 | $749 - $1,506 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Columbus
The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Columbus can be as low as $1,123 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,363.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $606 to $1,409. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Columbus?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Columbus will cost between $1,123 to $4,068. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,229 to $5,493, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Columbus will cost from $4,108 to $8,033.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Columbus?
Moving containers from Chicago to Columbus will cost you $821 to $1,878 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,378 to $2,657. A larger home will cost $1,811 to $3,761.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Columbus?
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 $606 to $1,131. A larger move will cost $648 to $1,228, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Columbus costs from $749 to $1,506. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Columbus
Cost of living: Chicago vs Columbus
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,095 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $153,667 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $50,542 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,286 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $3,228 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 31% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Columbus are 49.8% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Columbus is 23.0% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 28.5% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 9.9% lower than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Columbus are 12.20% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Columbus are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,854.15 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Columbus?
| Columbus | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 39.07 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 25.48 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Columbus is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 39.07 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 39.07% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 25.48 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Columbus
- Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
- 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Georgia 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 Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company 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 Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Columbus
These are some of the best things to do in your new Georgia home.
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- Columbus Riverwalk
- National Civil War Naval Museum
- Columbus Museum
- Flat Rock Park
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center
- Columbus Georgia Convention & Trade Center
- Columbus Botanical Garden
- The Lunch Box Museum
- Georgia Visitor Information Center - Columbus
Get your sports on!
Columbus is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Columbus Lions (NAL)
- Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)
- Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)
- Columbus Rapids (NISL)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
The best time to move from Chicago to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Columbus 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 Chicago to Columbus take?
The 818-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Columbus, GA, takes two-seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
