($1,106) Movers From Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Chicago to Columbus

• Rent prices in Columbus are 30% lower than in Chicago.
• Home prices in Columbus are 19.2% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Columbus is 9.1% lower than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 4.9% lower than in Chicago.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 8.4% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 36.67% lower than in Chicago.
• Sales taxes in Columbus are 26.83% lower than in Chicago.
• State income taxes in Columbus are 29.29% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,852.34 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 67% less than Chicago.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
• Columbus is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
• Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Columbus's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.65 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.35 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Columbus move

• Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
• 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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 verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Ohio 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arch City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources