($896) Movers From Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL

Quick answer: A move from Cincinnati to Chicago costs $301–$4,336 and takes one to four 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 295-mile move yourself.

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We know that every move from Cincinnati to Chicago is different. Choose the type of move that is best for you.
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Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati guide.

The best Cincinnati to Chicago full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Cincinnati to go to Chicago can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Cincinnati to Chicago.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Cincinnati to Chicago?toggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Chicago will cost between $896 to $2,923. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,503 to $4,336, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Cincinnati to Chicago will cost from $2,120 to $5,740.

The best moving containers for your Cincinnati to Chicago move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Cincinnati to Chicago. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

How much are moving container companies from Cincinnati to Chicago?toggle

Moving containers from Cincinnati to Chicago will cost you $571 to $1,308 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,015 to $2,043. A larger home will cost $1,408 to $2,387.

The best moving truck rentals for your Cincinnati to Chicago move

If you want to save even more money on your Cincinnati to Chicago move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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How much is a moving truck from Cincinnati to Chicago?toggle

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 $274 to $496. A larger move will cost $301 to $587, and a four-bedroom move from Cincinnati to Chicago costs from $396 to $760. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Cincinnati to Chicago move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Cincinnati to Chicago:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
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(866) 774-5063

How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Chicago?

Cincinnati movers charge $120 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 $896 - $2,923 $571 - $1,308 $274 - $496
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,503 - $4,336 $1,015 - $2,043 $301 - $587
4+ bedrooms $2,120 - $5,740 $1,408 - $2,387 $396 - $760
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 295 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Cincinnati to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Chicago can be as low as $896 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $4,794.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cincinnati, 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 $274 to $694. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Chicago

Cincinnati Chicago
Average rent cost $1,450 $2,045
Average home value $232,735 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $65,682 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $979 $1,280
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,525 $4,685
Unemployment rate 4.9% 9.0%
Sales tax 6.5% 10.25%
State income tax 3.5% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 41% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 27.1% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Income in Chicago is 9.0% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 30.7% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 32.9% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 83.67% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Sales taxes in Chicago are 57.69% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 41.43% higher than in Cincinnati.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,922.37 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cincinnati.

How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Chicago

Chicago Cincinnati
Population 2,746,388 309,317
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 6
Walkability score 77 49
Bike friendliness score 72 36
Crime Index 35.19 48.47
Safety Index 33.87 49.53
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 788% greater than Cincinnati.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Cincinnati's higher score of 6.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Cincinnati's 49 out of 100.
  • Chicago is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Cincinnati's 36.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Cincinnati with a score of 35.19 compared to Cincinnati's 48.47. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 33.87 vs Cincinnati's 49.53.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Cincinnati it's good.

Other things to consider for your Cincinnati vs. Chicago move

  • 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: 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: 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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 Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicagotoggle

After settling into your new Illinois home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Chicago?

The best time to move from Cincinnati to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Cincinnati.

When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Cincinnati to Chicago 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 Cincinnati to Chicago take?

The 295-mile move from Cincinnati, OH, to Chicago, IL, takes one to four days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources