Best Chicago to Columbus Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Columbus Movers Cost?

Moving 327 miles from Chicago, IL to Columbus, 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 Columbus that already have a booked job heading from Columbus to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Columbus from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Columbus moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

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

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 54 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Columbus areas.

From these 54 companies, we analyzed a total of 29,074 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 31 state and federal moving licenses from these 54 companies and 283 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~29,000 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 20,444 Chicago to Columbus 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 Columbus moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.64/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 21,275 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.22/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 7,705 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.73/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 4,367 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.65/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 7,451 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.39/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 3,787 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.86/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 10,867 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.13/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 10,645 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.40/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 19,950 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.54/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 11,592 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.25/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 2,394 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.27/10 avg (Chicago & Columbus combined) from 10,322 reviews

From Chicago to Columbus: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Clintonville in Columbus are both known for their family-friendly parks and village feel
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Columbus' Short North both share arts, boutiques and nightlife
• If you're moving from River North, check out Short North in the Columbus area for the galleries, upscale dining and vibrant nightlife
• Do you enjoy West Loop's converted warehouses, craft breweries and dining? You're sure to love Brewery District
• Move from Logan Square to Victorian Village and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic homes and an artsy vibe
• Andersonville & German Village are both known for their historic district, walkable streets and independent shops
• Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood & Columbus' University District neighborhood both have a campus community, museums and diverse dining
• If you're moving from Bucktown, look into Italian Village for the loft conversions, boutique shops and trendy eateries
• Do you cherish living in Lakeview's sports/events, bars and restaurants? Move into Arena District for something similar
• The similar vibes of Gold Coast & Bexley are both known for historic homes, affluence and tree-lined streets

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Columbus

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Dense traffic
• Harsh winters
• Higher crime rates

ProsColumbus, OH

• More affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Milder winters
• Lower crime rates

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Columbus, OH

• Smaller city vibe
• Lesser food variety
• More car-dependent
• Fewer cultural venues

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant city life
• Diverse culinary scene
• Extensive public transit
• Abundant cultural institutions

Pros of moving from Chicago to Columbus

• Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to Columbus with less congestion
• Swap the harsh winters of Chicago for milder winters in Columbus
• Get ready for lower crime rates in Columbus

Cons of moving from Chicago to Columbus

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant city life in Chicago to live with the smaller city vibe in Columbus
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse culinary scene and have to settle for the con of lesser food variety
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to being more car-dependent in Columbus
• Swap abundant cultural institutions for fewer cultural venues

Chicago vs. Columbus: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Columbus, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Buckeye Candy of Columbus. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog (Chicago Style), Columbus residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Taco Trucks 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 Jackfruit BBQ of Columbus. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Columbus, don't wait too long before making your way to Columbus' acclaimed eateries like Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, North Market, and The Thurman Café.

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

Discover Columbus Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Columbus 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, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Veritas, Loops, and The Guild House in Columbus. See our Columbus restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Giordano's, head to Adriatico's New York Style on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Columbus

• The Modern and Brownstones architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Columbus.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and proximity to public transport, Columbus real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to parks.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Columbus is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike since Columbus is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Columbus has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Columbus housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $243,838 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Columbus have increased by 61% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Columbus is 33.11% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

1. German Village : You’ll love the walkable brick-paved streets and spacious Schiller Park, perfect for evening strolls with your pet.
2. Short North : This vibrant neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly shops and cafes, so you and your furry friend can enjoy the local culture together.
3. Grandview Heights : With its abundance of green spaces and community events, this area caters to pet owners seeking an active lifestyle.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Columbus. Columbus gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Columbus 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 thunderstorms and tornadoes in Columbus.
• The average summer high temperature in Columbus is 2 degrees warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Columbus. Columbus receives 1.5 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Columbus

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Columbus tend to earn about 13% less than those in Chicago
• The COLI in Columbus will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in OH is 2.85 to 4.80 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Columbus is moderately high compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is moderate in Columbus compared to substantial poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and lower than that in Columbus

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Columbus

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

Chicago vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 32% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Columbus compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 5,720 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Columbus to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Columbus.