Best Columbus to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Columbus to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 326 miles from Columbus, 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 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, OH 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 50 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Columbus and Chicago areas.

From these 50 companies, we analyzed a total of 26,133 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 29 state and federal moving licenses from these 50 companies and 262 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~26,000 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 16,135 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 Move-tastic!).

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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.

8.60/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 18,682 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.15/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 6,834 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.65/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 3,921 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.56/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 6,719 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.31/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 3,363 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.81/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,648 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.08/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,239 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.35/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 17,599 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.48/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 10,220 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.23/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 2,099 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.21/10 avg (Columbus & Chicago combined) from 9,126 reviews

From Columbus to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• German Village in Columbus & Old Town in Chicago are both known for their historic brick homes & walkable streets
• Columbus' Short North neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park both share art galleries & vibrant nightlife
• If you're moving from Clintonville, check out Andersonville in the Chicago area for the tree-lined residential streets & local shops
• Do you enjoy Upper Arlington's affluent community & family-friendly amenities? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from Victorian Village to Lincoln Park and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic architecture & leafy boulevards
• Grandview Heights & Bucktown are both known for their tight-knit community & trendy cafés
• Columbus' Italian Village neighborhood & Chicago's River North neighborhood both have upscale dining & an art gallery scene
• If you're moving from Franklinton, look into West Loop for the industrial-chic conversions & creative studios
• Do you cherish living in Arena District's sports venues & entertainment hubs? Move into South Loop for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Chicago

ConsColumbus, OH

• Smaller city vibe
• Lower cultural diversity
• Fewer job opportunities
• Less public transit options
• Fewer dining options

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, dynamic city
• Greater cultural diversity
• More career prospects
• Extensive public transit
• World-class cuisine

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Chicago, IL

• Higher living costs
• More traffic congestion
• Less personal space
• Complex city layout
• More urbanized

Columbus, OH

• Affordable housing
• Lower traffic levels
• Community feel
• Easy navigation
• Access to nature

Pros of moving from Columbus to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to a larger, dynamic city
• Look forward to moving away from lower cultural diversity and moving to Chicago with greater cultural diversity
• Swap the fewer job opportunities of Columbus for more career prospects in Chicago
• Get ready for extensive public transit in Chicago

Cons of moving from Columbus to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Columbus to live with higher living costs in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower traffic levels and have to settle for the con of more traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to community feel and get used to less personal space in Chicago
• Swap easy navigation for a complex city layout

Columbus vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Columbus to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye candy of Columbus for the equally delicious Deep-dish pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Columbus rave about their flavorful Pulled pork barbecue and sumptuous Food truck tacos, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit tacos 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 The Thurman Café, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. 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 less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Columbus. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable 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 Lincoln Social Rooftop, Northstar Café, and Thurman Café in Columbus, we're sure you'll love Cindy's, LYFE Kitchen, and Au Cheval 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 Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, head to Scooter's Frozen Custard on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Columbus and Chicago

• The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Columbus is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Greystone architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Columbus's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and large yards, 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 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 19% more expensive than they are in Columbus with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Columbus’s $243,838.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 61% increase in Columbus.
• Rent in Chicago is 49.51% 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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Columbus to Chicago. Chicago gets 6% more 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 blizzards and lake-effect snow in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 2 degrees colder than in Columbus.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Columbus.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 2.3 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 14% more than those in Columbus
• The COLI in Chicago is 27% higher than what you are used to in Columbus
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95% (flat) compared to 2.85% to 4.8% in OH
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Columbus
• The poverty level is notable in Chicago compared to moderate poverty in Columbus
• In terms of homelessness, it is contained in Columbus and significant in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Columbus vs. Chicago

• Columbus 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 <a href="https://www.fourthchurch.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">predominantly Christian with significant Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities</a>
• Columbus' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as <a href="https://sjchcc.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">diverse with a strong Christian presence</a>

Columbus vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 48% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your commute in Columbus. That's 5,720 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.