Best Chicago to Cleveland Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Cleveland Movers Cost?

Moving 348 miles from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, 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 Cleveland that already have a booked job heading from Cleveland to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Cleveland from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Cleveland moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Cleveland 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 Cleveland movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 47 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Cleveland areas.

From these 47 companies, we analyzed a total of 27,238 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 34 state and federal moving licenses from these 47 companies and 250 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~27,000 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 19,550 Chicago to Cleveland 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 Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.61/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 20,217 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.32/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 7,397 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.74/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 4,291 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.56/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 7,151 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.45/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 3,706 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.89/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 10,577 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.07/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 10,056 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.34/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 19,055 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.52/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 11,055 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.20/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 2,339 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.30/10 avg (Chicago & Cleveland combined) from 9,982 reviews

From Chicago to Cleveland: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Edgewater in Cleveland are both known for their lakeside park access & upscale residential
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Cleveland's Ohio City both share vibrant nightlife & local breweries
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Tremont in the Cleveland area for the art galleries & trendy eateries
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's gentrifying area with craft breweries? You're sure to love Ohio City
• Move from Hyde Park to University Circle and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: university district with museums
• Bucktown & Gordon Square Arts District are both known for their creative studios & cultural events
• Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood & Cleveland's Downtown neighborhood both have lakeshore high-rises & tourist hubs
• If you're moving from West Loop, look into Warehouse District for the upscale restaurants & nightlife
• Do you cherish living in Andersonville's indie boutiques & lgbtq-friendly vibe? Move into Coventry Village for something similar
• The similar vibes of River North & Warehouse District are both known for art galleries & loft living

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Cleveland

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rates
• More expensive
• Colder winters
• Heavy traffic

ProsCleveland, OH

• Lower crime rates
• More affordable
• Milder winters
• Less traffic

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Cleveland, OH

• Smaller job market
• Quieter nightlife
• Less diversity in dining
• Smaller cultural scene

Chicago, IL

• Larger job market
• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse dining
• Rich cultural scene

Pros of moving from Chicago to Cleveland

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from more expensive and moving to Cleveland with more affordable options
• Swap the colder winters of Chicago for milder winters in Cleveland
• Get ready for less traffic in Cleveland

Cons of moving from Chicago to Cleveland

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a larger job market in Chicago to live with a smaller job market in Cleveland
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to diverse dining and get used to less diversity in dining in Cleveland
• Swap a rich cultural scene for a smaller cultural scene

Chicago vs. Cleveland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Cleveland, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Polish Boy of Cleveland. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago Style Hot Dog, Cleveland residents know they have tasty Corned Beef and Gyro to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Pho of Cleveland. 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 Cleveland, don't wait too long before making your way to Cleveland's acclaimed eateries like Slyman's Deli, Mabel's BBQ, and Lola Bistro.

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

Discover Cleveland Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Cleveland 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 Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute, Lola Bistro, and Happy Dog in Cleveland. See our Cleveland restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Deep Dish Pizza Place, head to Il Rione Pizzeria on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Cleveland

• The Modern and High-rise architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Bungalow architecture typical of Cleveland.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transit, Cleveland real estate listings often highlight features like quiet neighborhoods and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Cleveland is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Cleveland is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Cleveland has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Cleveland housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $103,979 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Cleveland have increased by 49% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Cleveland is 37.11% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cleveland, OH

1. Ohio City : You’ll love the abundance of green spaces and dog-friendly patios available for your furry companion here.
2. Tremont : With numerous pet-friendly cafes and pedestrian-friendly streets, Tremont is a great place for you and your pet to explore on walks.
3. Lakewood : Known for its pet-friendly amenities and activities, you and your pet can enjoy the various parks and pet shops scattered throughout the neighborhood.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Cleveland. Cleveland gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Cleveland has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and extreme cold in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and lake-effect snow in Cleveland.
• The average summer high temperature in Cleveland is 1 degree colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows in Cleveland are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Cleveland. Cleveland receives 2.2 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Cleveland

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Cleveland tend to earn about 47% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Cleveland is 14% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in OH is 4.797 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Cleveland is lower compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is high in Cleveland compared to moderate poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Chicago and worrisome in Cleveland

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Cleveland

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Cleveland, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Cleveland's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a notable Jewish community
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others

Chicago vs. Cleveland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

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