Best Chicago to Columbus Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Chicago to Columbus and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 327 mile move from Illinois to Ohio go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 59 Chicago to Columbus moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Blue Men Moving LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chicago compared to Columbus. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Chicago to Columbus Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Men Moving LLC | 9.56 | 9.71 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Manifest Shipping Llc | 9.19 | 9.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Chicago to Columbus
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 327 miles from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH will cost on average $2,059 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chicago to Columbus move is roughly $4,924. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,388 | 300 ft³ | 4.63 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,059 | 450 ft³ | 4.58 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,395 | 750 ft³ | 4.53 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,924 | 1100 ft³ | 4.48 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,082 | 1600 ft³ | 4.43 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,877 | 1800 ft³ | 4.38 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Chicago guide.
Compare the 5 Best Chicago to Columbus Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Blue Men Moving LLC
10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW
Pickerington, OH, 43147
About Blue Men Moving LLC
With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3544037 / 1184394 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 78,500 (2022) |
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Manifest Shipping Llc
501 Southwick Pl
Trenton, OH, 45067
About Manifest Shipping Llc
Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3050908 / 49758 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 46,740 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Chicago vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting. To ease the transition, we've crafted a guide that compares the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Columbus, OH . This comparison aims to help you find a neighborhood in Columbus that resonates with your lifestyle in Chicago, creating a sense of familiarity and comfort in your new city. Let's explore the vibrant communities that make these cities unique.
| Chicago | Columbus | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Victorian Village | Historic charm, parks |
| Wicker Park | Short North | Artsy, vibrant nightlife |
| The Loop | Downtown Columbus | Urban core, busy |
| Gold Coast | German Village | Upscale, historic architecture |
| Lakeview | Clintonville | Diverse, family-friendly |
| Hyde Park | Bexley | Educational hubs, leafy streets |
| Logan Square | Grandview Heights | Trendy, with local eats |
| River North | Italian Village | Chic lofts, dining scene |
| Andersonville | Brewery District | Quaint, with a strong sense of community |
| Old Town | Harrison West | Cozy, historic homes |
If you're an admirer of Lincoln Park's lush landscapes, the serene beauty of Victorian Village, with its scenic parks like Goodale Park, will definitely capture your heart. Imagine strolling through Short North, akin to Wicker Park's bustling streets, where art galleries and trendy shops abound. For those drawn to the historic allure of Gold Coast, German Village offers a similar experience, featuring cobblestone streets flanked by charming, historic architecture. Clintonville, like Lakeview, is welcoming to families and individuals alike, dotted with cozy cafes and boutiques. Its Park of Roses parallels the green spaces and recreational options found in Lincoln Park, establishing Clintonville as a neighborhood where community and nature thrive in harmony. Whether you're grabbing a bite at the Northstar Café or exploring Clintonville's farmer's market, you'll find the transition from Chicago's beloved neighborhoods to Columbus's counterparts a journey of delightful discoveries.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Columbus
Moving cities is a pivotal moment that necessitates a deep dive into the pros and cons of relocating from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH . This comparison is designed to offer an honest reflection of both the positive and negative aspects of making such a transition, ensuring you're well-informed about your new locale and what you're leaving behind.
Chicago, IL- Higher cost of living
- Dense traffic
- Harsh winters
- Higher crime rates
Columbus, OH- More affordable housing
- Less congestion
- Milder winters
- Lower crime rates
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
While Chicago's dynamic city life with its myriad of restaurants like Girl & The Goat and cultural institutions such as The Art Institute of Chicago offers an unrivaled urban experience, Columbus counters with its own charm. The cost of living in Columbus is significantly more manageable, which is a big plus for many. Neighborhood parks in Columbus, like Goodale Park, provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Additionally, the North Market offers a diverse range of food options that, while it may not compete with Chicago's massive culinary scene, still provides residents with quality, varied choices. Lastly, the lower crime rates in Columbus compared to Chicago's more pressing concerns on that front can contribute significantly to a feeling of safety and community.
Chicago vs. Columbus Food Guide
Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the essence of a city's culture. As you plan your move, we're here to help bridge your transition by offering a comparison of the local cuisine between Chicago & Columbus . This overview will familiarize you with the culinary scene you're about to dive into, ensuring you don't miss out on either city's flavorful offerings.
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Buckeye Candy |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dog (Chicago Style) | Taco Trucks |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Jackfruit BBQ |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Delving into Chicago's food scene, you'll find neighborhoods like the West Loop offering an array of culinary delights, from the infamous deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's to innovative dishes at Alinea. Alternatively, Columbus boasts a vibrant food scene characterized by grassroots efforts and local love, epitomized by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and the historic North Market. Columbus's German Village beautifully highlights the city's German heritage, particularly with its bratwurst dishes. Both cities offer unique tastes and experiences, ensuring your culinary journey will be as exciting as your new beginning.
Chicago vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in the cuisine of your new city can significantly ease the transition of moving. This restaurant comparison aims to connect your Chicago favorites with their Columbus counterparts, making the Windy City to Arch City move a little tastier.
| Chicago | Columbus | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Veritas | Contemporary dining with a focus on avant-garde cuisine |
| Portillo's | Loops | Known for their Italian beef sandwiches, a close match to Portillo's |
| Girl & The Goat | The Guild House | Creative, globally-inspired dishes in a sophisticated setting |
| Giordano's | Adriatico's New York Style | Deep-dish and Sicilian-style pizzas that rival Giordano's |
| Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Mitchell's Ocean Club | An elegant seafood and steakhouse experience similar to Joe's |
| The Purple Pig | Barcelona Restaurant | A mix of Mediterranean offerings that reflect the essence of The Purple Pig |
| Publican | The Pearl | Gastropub fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, similar to Publican's philosophy |
| Smoque BBQ | Ray Ray's Hog Pit | Authentic, slow-cooked barbecue that's a Columbus favorite |
| Big Star | Condado Tacos | Creative, customizable tacos with a vibrant bar scene |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Hounddog's Pizza | A go-to for deep-dish pizza lovers seeking a slice like Lou Malnati’s |
When exploring the culinary scene in Columbus, you'll discover that Veritas offers an ambience and innovative cuisine that closely resemble those of Alinea, making it a must-try for any gastronomy enthusiast. Similarly, fans of the distinctive deep-dish pies at Giordano's will feel right at home with Adriatico's hearty offerings. And for those missing the iconic Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo's, Loops provides a delightful taste of Chicago right in the heart of Columbus. Each Columbus establishment not only offers a similar dining experience but also adds its unique flair, ensuring that your culinary journey in your new city is both familiar and exciting.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes between Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH is crucial. This comparison will help you grasp the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle aspects. Understanding these can significantly influence your decision and transition.
| Comparison | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Brownstones | Craftsman and Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, Proximity to public transport | Large yards, Proximity to parks |
Moving from Chicago to Columbus offers a significant shift in lifestyle and housing expectations. In Chicago, you'll find the housing market leans heavily towards modern and brownstone buildings, particularly praised for their lake views or proximity to Chicago's extensive public transport system. Columbus, on the other hand, features homes that often boast large yards and close proximity to parks, reflecting a more suburban feel within a city landscape. The difference in median home prices and rent also indicates that your dollar may stretch further in Columbus, allowing for a potentially larger or more amenity-filled home compared to what the same budget would afford in Chicago.
Chicago vs. Columbus Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in climate between Chicago, IL, and Columbus, OH, ensuring you can prepare for your new environment effectively.
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Cold Waves | Thunderstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Considering the move from Chicago to Columbus, you'll find slight but notable weather differences. Columbus enjoys slightly warmer winters and summers, which could lead to more outdoor activity year-round. While both cities experience humid conditions, Columbus faces more thunderstorms and a greater variety of allergens due to its diverse plant life. Additionally, Chicago has a higher annual snowfall, which could mean less winter weather preparation is necessary in Columbus. Understanding these changes can help you adapt more smoothly to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Columbus
When relocating from one city to another, comprehending the differences in financial environments is crucial. This comparison will shed light on the economic aspects that could impact your budget and lifestyle. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income in Chicago and Columbus contrast is vital for a smooth transition.
| Comparison | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $58,202 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 92 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 2.85 - 4.80 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.12 | 1.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 7.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Education, Healthcare, Finance |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately High |
| Poverty | Substantial | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Lower than Chicago |
Comparing financial factors between Chicago and Columbus illustrates a nuanced picture. While the average household income is slightly higher in Chicago, Columbus offers a more affordable living situation with its lower cost of living index. This difference means your money might stretch further in Columbus, especially when you factor in the lower sales tax rate. Property taxes also tend to be lower in Columbus, offering potential savings for homeowners. The variance in state income tax rates, based on brackets in Ohio, suggests a more complex comparison but could also result in savings depending on your income level. Furthermore, Columbus's strong education and healthcare industries may provide unique job opportunities not as prevalent in Chicago's market, dominated by finance, insurance, and manufacturing sectors.
Chicago vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting process, not just in terms of logistics, but also in adjusting to the new social fabric of your destination. To help ease your transition, this quick guide provides a snapshot comparison of the politics between Chicago & Columbus along with an insight into the religious landscape. Geared towards offering a glimpse into what makes each city unique, we hope this aids in your smooth relocation.
| Chicago | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Largely Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Diverse representation | Moderate with progressive trends |
| Religion | Mixed, with significant Catholic presence | Diverse, with Evangelical Protestant influence |
In transitioning from Chicago to Columbus, you'll find yourself moving from a city with a storied political history of Democratic leaning to another that, while also leaning Democratic, trends towards moderate positions with an emerging progressive ethos in certain local policies. Chicago's vast and varied religious landscape, highlighted by its significant Catholic presence, contrasts with Columbus' diverse religious makeup, where Evangelical Protestant beliefs are more pronounced. Understanding these nuances will not only help you better assimilate into your new community but also enrich your interactions with your new neighbors.
Chicago vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When deciding to move, understanding the comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Columbus is crucial for planning your daily commutes. This guide will help you better visualize what getting around each city might look like for you.
| Comparison | Chicago | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, but a car is useful for certain areas | It's possible, but much harder than in Chicago |
In Chicago, the extensive public transportation system, including buses and the "L" train, significantly facilitates commuting without a car. The high traffic congestion score reflects its bustling nature, yet the city's infrastructure accommodates this with efficient public transit options. Columbus presents a contrast with its less congested roads and shorter average commute times, indicative of a smaller city. However, its public transit system isn't as comprehensive as Chicago's, making a car more necessary for daily commutes outside of downtown areas. This shift in dependence on personal vehicles versus public transport could majorly influence your lifestyle and commuting habits when moving from Chicago to Columbus.
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