Best Cincinnati to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Cincinnati to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 296 miles from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Cincinnati. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to Chicago moving option

Hire local Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

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

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

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Cincinnati to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati & West Loop in Chicago are both known for their: historic district, gentrification, restaurants & nightlife
• Cincinnati's Hyde Park neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Park both share: affluent residential areas, parks, boutique shops & dining
• If you're moving from Clifton, check out Hyde Park in the Chicago area for the: university community, museums, cultural events
• Do you enjoy Northside's artsy & hip vibes, live music, and local boutiques? You're sure to love Wicker Park
• Move from Oakley to Logan Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: family-friendly atmosphere, cafes & breweries, and community events
• Walnut Hills & Bronzeville are both known for their: historic architecture, cultural diversity, and urban revitalization
• Cincinnati's Westwood neighborhood & Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood both have: residential homes, affordability, and family-oriented features
• If you're moving from Mount Lookout, look into Beverly for the: hillside views, quiet atmosphere, and historic homes

Pros and Cons of Moving from Cincinnati to Chicago

ConsCincinnati, OH

• Smaller city vibe
• Lesser nightlife options
• Lower job opportunities
• Fewer cultural activities

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger urban area
• Vibrant nightlife
• Greater employment options
• Rich cultural scene

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Denser populations
• More impersonal
• Heavier traffic

Cincinnati, OH

• Lower cost of living
• Quaint neighborhoods
• Close-knit communities
• Easier traffic navigation

Pros of moving from Cincinnati to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to larger urban area
• Look forward to moving away from lesser nightlife options and moving to Chicago with vibrant nightlife
• Swap the lower job opportunities of Cincinnati for greater employment options in Chicago
• Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Chicago

Cons of moving from Cincinnati to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Cincinnati to live with a higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of quaint neighborhoods and have to settle for the con of denser populations
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a more impersonal environment in Chicago
• Swap easier traffic navigation for heavier traffic

Cincinnati vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Cincinnati to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Cincinnati Chili of Cincinnati for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Cincinnati rave about their flavorful Goetta and sumptuous Cheese Coney, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Cincinnati Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Cincinnati eateries like Skyline Chili, Graeter's Ice Cream, and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Cincinnati. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Sotto, Taste of Belgium, and Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in Cincinnati, we're sure you'll love Osteria Langhe, Café Marie-Jeanne, and Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Cincinnati hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, head to Beatrix on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Cincinnati and Chicago

• The Historic Victorian architecture that Cincinnati is known for will be replaced with Modern and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Cincinnati's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and family-friendly features, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Cincinnati.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Cincinnati.
• Chicago housing costs are 23% more expensive than those in Cincinnati, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Cincinnati’s $235,672.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 49% increase in Cincinnati.
• Rent in Chicago is 50.25% more expensive than in Cincinnati.

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 Cincinnati and Chicago

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Cincinnati to Chicago. Chicago gets 7% more sunshine days than Cincinnati.
• Chicago has similar humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Cincinnati.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Cincinnati, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 3 degrees colder than in Cincinnati.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Cincinnati.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Cincinnati.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Cincinnati and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 56% more than those in Cincinnati
• The COLI in Chicago is 25% higher than what you are used to living in Cincinnati
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 2.765 in OH
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Cincinnati
• The poverty level is significant in Chicago compared to moderate poverty in Cincinnati
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Cincinnati and substantial in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Cincinnati vs. Chicago

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

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 42% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Cincinnati commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Cincinnati.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.