Best Columbus to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Columbus to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 858 miles from Columbus, GA to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Columbus. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Columbus entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Columbus to Chicago moving option

Hire local Columbus movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Columbus to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Columbus to Chicago movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Columbus, GA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Columbus to Chicago moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 36 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Columbus and Chicago areas.

From these 36 companies, we analyzed a total of 23,030 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 36 companies and 191 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~23,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 18,328 Columbus to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Lambert Transfer & Storage, Inc.).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Columbus to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.43/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 18,301 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.01/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 6,779 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.54/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 3,964 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.36/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 6,584 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.20/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 3,536 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.67/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,784 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.01/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 8,921 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.14/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 17,153 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.36/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,905 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.04/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 2,217 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.07/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,094 reviews

From Columbus to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Midtown in Columbus & South Loop in Chicago are both known for their: urban core with mixed-use development
• Columbus' Garden Hills neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Square both share: family-friendly with parks & local shops
• If you're moving from Bibb City, check out Pilsen in the Chicago area for the: historic industrial roots with an arts scene
• Do you enjoy University District's college campus vibe with cultural institutions? You're sure to love Hyde Park
• Move from Lakebottom to Logan Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: park-centered with local breweries & cafes
• North Highland/Cooper Creek & Lakeview are both known for their: leafy streets with bungalow-style homes
• Columbus' Victory Heights neighborhood & Chicago's West Loop neighborhood both have: former industrial areas with foodie hotspots
• If you're moving from Country Club Heights, look into Lincoln Park for the: affluent, tree-lined with recreational spaces
• Do you cherish living in Avalon's newer residential infill with trendy boutiques? Move into Wicker Park for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Chicago

ConsColumbus, GA

• Smaller city vibe
• Fewer job opportunities
• Less cultural diversity
• Warmer climate

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, vibrant city
• More diverse job market
• Greater cultural diversity
• Distinct seasons

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Faster pace of life
• Can feel anonymous
• Traffic congestion

Columbus, GA

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter, slower pace
• Close-knit community
• Easier traffic

Pros of moving from Columbus to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the smaller city vibe and hello to the larger, vibrant city
• Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to Chicago with a more diverse job market
• Swap the less cultural diversity of Columbus for greater cultural diversity in Chicago
• Get ready for distinct seasons in Chicago

Cons of moving from Columbus to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Columbus to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter, slower pace and have to settle with the con of a faster pace of life
• Time to bid farewell to a close-knit community and get used to feeling anonymous in Chicago
• Swap easier traffic for traffic congestion

Columbus vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Columbus to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Country-fried steak of Columbus for the equally delicious Deep-dish pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Columbus rave about their flavorful Pulled pork and sumptuous Boiled peanuts, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian beef sandwich and Chicago-style hot dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Columbus eateries like Minnie's Uptown, The Cannon Brew Pub, and Country’s Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Portillo’s, and Alinea.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Columbus. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Columbus. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Chicago.

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Columbus favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Epic Restaurant, The Black Cow, and Plucked Up Chicken and Biscuits in Columbus, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Au Cheval, and Honey Butter Fried Chicken in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Columbus hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at 11th and Bay Southern Table, head to Big Jones on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Columbus and Chicago

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Columbus is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Gothic Revival architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Columbus's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transport and lake views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Columbus.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Columbus.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Columbus.
• Chicago housing costs are 81% more expensive than they are in Columbus with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Columbus’s $159,748.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased 17% compared to a 56% increase in Columbus.
• Rent in Chicago is 79.86% more expensive than in Columbus.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Columbus and Chicago

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Columbus to Chicago. Chicago gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Columbus.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Columbus.
• Say goodbye to the possible thunderstorms and tornadoes in Columbus, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold snaps in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 8 degrees colder than in Columbus.
• The average winter lows in Chicago are 18 degrees colder than they are in Columbus.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 12.8 fewer inches of rain compared to Columbus.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Columbus and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 26% more than in Columbus
• The COLI in Chicago is 25% higher than what you are used to living in Columbus
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 5.75 in GA
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Columbus
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to considerable poverty in Columbus
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Columbus and high in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Columbus vs. Chicago

• Columbus tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as lean Liberal
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a vibrant array of religious communities including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and more
• Columbus' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a strong Christian presence

Columbus vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 55% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Columbus commute. That's 6240 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Columbus.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.