Best Chicago to Cincinnati Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Cincinnati Movers Cost?

Moving 297 miles from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 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 Cincinnati that already have a booked job heading from Cincinnati to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Cincinnati from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Cincinnati moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Cincinnati moving option

Hire local Chicago 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 Cincinnati movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Cincinnati 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 Chicago to Cincinnati 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 Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 49 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Cincinnati areas.

From these 49 companies, we analyzed a total of 28,899 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 36 state and federal moving licenses from these 49 companies and 251 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~28,000 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 20,051 Chicago to Cincinnati 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 Sebastian Moving SW Ohio) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.60/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 20,992 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.12/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 7,544 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.74/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 4,322 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.50/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 7,334 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.35/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 3,757 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 10,766 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.10/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 10,477 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.33/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 19,738 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.47/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 11,463 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.95/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 2,393 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.22/10 avg (Chicago & Cincinnati combined) from 10,227 reviews

From Chicago to Cincinnati: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Hyde Park in Cincinnati are both known for their: affluent, park access, family-friendly
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Cincinnati's Oakley both share: suburban feel, local shops, family-oriented
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Over-the-Rhine in the Cincinnati area for the: artsy, nightlife, craft breweries
• Do you enjoy Bucktown's eclectic shops, arts community, and hip vibe? You're sure to love Northside
• Move from Logan Square to Pleasant Ridge and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: up-and-coming, residential, creative scene
• West Loop & Downtown are both known for their: upscale dining, modern lofts, and business district
• Chicago's River North neighborhood & Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood both have: gallery district, vibrant nightlife
• If you're moving from Andersonville, look into Clifton for the: community-driven, cafés, and pedestrian-friendly
• Do you cherish living in Hyde Park's historic homes, quiet streets, and upscale feel? Move into Mount Lookout for something similar
• The similar vibes of Pilsen & East Walnut Hills are both known for: murals, arts district, and cultural diversity

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rates
• Colder winters
• Higher living costs
• Dense traffic
• Fewer green spaces

ProsCincinnati, OH

• Lower crime rates
• Milder winters
• Lower living costs
• Lesser traffic
• More green spaces

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Cincinnati, OH

• Quieter nightlife
• Less diverse
• Fewer job opportunities
• Fewer museums
• Smaller city feel

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Cultural diversity
• Better job opportunities
• World-class museums
• Larger city vibe

Pros of moving from Chicago to Cincinnati

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from colder winters and moving to Cincinnati with milder winters
• Swap the higher living costs of Chicago for lower living costs in Cincinnati
• Get ready for less traffic in Cincinnati

Cons of moving from Chicago to Cincinnati

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with quieter nightlife in Cincinnati
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to better job opportunities and get used to fewer job opportunities in Cincinnati
• Swap world-class museums for fewer museums

Chicago vs. Cincinnati: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Cincinnati, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Cincinnati Chili of Cincinnati. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Cincinnati residents know they have tasty Goetta and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chili of Cincinnati. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Cincinnati, don't wait too long before making your way to Cincinnati's acclaimed eateries like Camp Washington Chili, Terry's Turf Club, and Findlay Market.

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

Discover Cincinnati Restaurants You'll Love

"Moving to Cincinnati is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & the Goat, and Portillo's in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Orchids at Palm Court, Boca, and Eli's BBQ in Cincinnati. See our Cincinnati restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Purple Pig, head to Senate on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked."

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Cincinnati

• The Gothic and Modern architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Modern architecture typical of Cincinnati.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake and skyline views, Cincinnati real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Cincinnati is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as Cincinnati is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Cincinnati has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Cincinnati housing costs are 19% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $235,672 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Cincinnati have increased by 49% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Cincinnati is 33.44% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cincinnati, OH

1. Hyde Park: You’ll find an abundance of parks and open spaces perfect for walks and playtime with your pet.
2. Oakley: You’ll love the pet-friendly amenities, such as local dog parks and pet-friendly cafes that welcome both you and your furry friend.
3. Mt. Lookout: You and your pet can enjoy the scenic trails and pet-centric community events held regularly in the area.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Cincinnati. Cincinnati gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Cincinnati has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and cold waves in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential floods and tornadoes in Cincinnati.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Cincinnati is 4 degrees warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Cincinnati, as it receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Cincinnati

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Cincinnati tend to earn about 36% less than those in Chicago
• The COLI in Cincinnati is 20% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in OH is 3.99 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Cincinnati is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is various in Cincinnati compared to various levels in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Chicago and notable in Cincinnati

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Cincinnati

• Chicago tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Cincinnati, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Cincinnati's religious environment can be described as Catholic with a significant Protestant presence
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic with diverse religious communities

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 29% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Cincinnati compared to your Chicago daily drive. That's an annual savings of 5,200 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Cincinnati to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Cincinnati.