Best Chicago to Cincinnati Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Chicago to Cincinnati Movers

Moving from the Windy City to the Queen City marks an exciting chapter in your life, opening doors to new experiences and opportunities. Trading Chicago’s towering skyscrapers and bustling streets for Cincinnati’s historic architecture and vibrant food scene is a journey full of promise. Recognizing the distance and difference between these two cities highlights the importance of selecting trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible — and that’s where our expertise at Great Guys Moving comes into play.

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Best Chicago to Cincinnati Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
606 Movers, Inc.9.36A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Move-tastic!9.35A+Authorized For HHGContact
A1 Movers, Inc9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Sebastian Moving SW Ohio9.25A+Authorized For HHGContact
Robinson Relocations9.23AAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Cincinnati to Chicago guide.

5 Best Chicago to Cincinnati Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

606 Movers, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

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 movi...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Move-tastic! Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
2
A1 Movers, Inc Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

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 offers ...Read More >>

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Sebastian Moving SW Ohio Logo
Exceptional9.25/10
based on 593+ data points

About Sebastian Moving SW Ohio

Let the experts at Sebastian Moving SW Ohio take care of your next home or office move. This top-rated moving company has a stellar reputati...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Moves in South West Ohio
  • Packing and Unpacking
  • Loading & Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3491560 / 1243683

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Robinson Relocations Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.23/10
based on 854+ data points

About Robinson Relocations

Robinson Relocations is a professional moving company providing services in Cincinnati, OH, and Tampa, FL, with a priority to exceed clients...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3320340 / 1056379

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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. Cincinnati Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To help bridge this gap, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Cincinnati, OH. This guide will make you feel right at home by drawing parallels between popular neighborhoods in Chicago and their Cincinnati counterparts, highlighting the unique charm and characteristics of each.

ChicagoCincinnatiHow They're Similar
Lincoln ParkHyde ParkLush green spaces, vibrant community
Wicker ParkOver-the-RhineHistoric architecture, bustling nightlife
The LoopDowntown CincinnatiUrban center, cultural landmarks
Gold CoastMount AdamsExclusive homes, panoramic city views
Logan SquareNorthsideDiverse community, eclectic dining options
LakeviewOakleyFamily-friendly, mix of residential and commerce
River NorthCliftonUniversity presence, arts and entertainment
AndersonvillePleasant RidgeSmall town feel, independent businesses
South LoopEast Walnut HillsHistoric district, growing arts scene
BucktownMount LookoutQuiet residential areas, lively avenues

In both cities, the essence of community and culture is vividly present, whether found among the serene walkways of Lincoln Park's lush greenspaces or the historic, winding streets of Hyde Park in Cincinnati. If you're captivated by the diverse dining and arts scene in Logan Square, Northside's eclectic offerings from spots like Happen, Inc. will surely appeal to your creative side. A move from Wicker Park's robust nightlife might initially seem jarring, but Over-the-Rhine offers an equally compelling mix of bars and live music venues, inviting parallels to places like Rhinegeist Brewery. Similarly, the exclusive residential vibe of the Gold Coast finds its match in Mount Adams, where stunning city views and quaint streets abound, demonstrating that your relocation doesn't mean leaving behind the neighborhood charm you've grown to love.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati

Moving from one city to another is a major decision that requires careful consideration of both the positives and negatives involved. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH , giving you a clearer picture of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Higher crime rates
  • Colder winters
  • Higher living costs
  • Dense traffic
  • Fewer green spaces
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Lower crime rates
  • Milder winters
  • Lower living costs
  • Lesser traffic
  • More green spaces
Cincinnati, OH iconCincinnati, OH
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Fewer museums
  • Smaller city feel
Chicago, IL iconChicago, IL
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Cultural diversity
  • Better job opportunities
  • World-class museums
  • Larger city vibe

When considering moving from Chicago to Cincinnati, there are numerous factors at play. Chicago's vibrant cultural scene is unbeatable, with landmarks like the Art Institute of Chicago and lively neighborhoods such as Wicker Park and Logan Square providing endless entertainment and dining options. However, Cincinnati offers its own unique charm with a more manageable cost of living and a thriving downtown area, including the historic Findlay Market and the picturesque Smale Riverfront Park. The Queen City also takes pride in its burgeoning culinary scene, featuring gems like Pleasantry and Salazar that offer a more intimate dining experience. Though it may have a quieter nightlife compared to Chicago, Cincinnati's community-focused events and local breweries, such as Rhinegeist Brewery, cultivate a sense of close-knit community living.

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Food Guide

Food deeply enriches the local culture and living experience in any area. To better prepare you for your move, we've crafted a comparison focusing on the local cuisine between Chicago & Cincinnati . This will give you a tasty preview of what culinary delights await you in your new city.

ChicagoCincinnati
Most iconic local food itemDeep-Dish PizzaCincinnati Chili
Most popular meat dishItalian Beef SandwichGoetta
Most popular street food itemChicago-style Hot DogStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsVegan Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Camp Washington Chili
  • Terry's Turf Club
  • Findlay Market
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Chicago is well-known for its deep-dish pizza with traditions dating back decades, offered in iconic spots like Lou Malnati's. On the other hand, Cincinnati prides itself on its unique Cincinnati chili, a musky, spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti or hot dogs, a flagship delight of Camp Washington Chili. Chicagoans cherish their Italian beef sandwiches, available in many neighborhoods, while Cincinnati introduces you to Goetta, a German-inspired meat-and-grain sausage. For the health-conscious and vegan community, both cities are welcoming; Chicago with spots like Alinea that offer innovative plant-based dishes and Cincinnati with its vegan chili, proof that you can enjoy hearty meals without meat. The robust food truck scene in both cities promises an exciting culinary adventure right on the streets, blending convenience with local flavors.

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, the quest to find local eateries that feel like home is paramount. This restaurant comparison between Chicago and Cincinnati aims to ease your transition by highlighting parallels in dining experiences. Whether you're fond of high-end dining or prefer cozy, casual spots, this guide will help you discover your next favorite restaurant in your new city.

ChicagoCincinnatiWhat You'll Love
AlineaOrchids at Palm CourtElegant and upscale dining, avant-garde presentation
Girl & the GoatBocaInventive New American cuisine in a chic setting, similar artistic plating
Portillo'sEli's BBQIconic for casual dining with a focus on local flavors
The Purple PigSenateKnown for its gourmet street food and playful approach to cuisine
Pequod's PizzaAdriatico's New York Style PizzaOffers a unique take on deep-dish pizza, beloved by locals
Rick Bayless's Frontera GrillMazunteAuthentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabJeff Ruby's SteakhouseKnown for prime steaks and seafood in an opulent setting
Au ChevalTerry's Turf ClubFamous for their gourmet burgers and eclectic decor
Giordano'sTaglioRenowned for its deep-dish pizza, offering a taste of Chicago-style pizza
Smoque BBQCity BarbequeAuthentic smokehouse flavors and a variety of BBQ dishes

Discovering the right spot to dine in Cincinnati can feel like an adventure reminiscent of your Chicago favorites. For instance, if the ingeniously crafted dishes and upscale ambiance of Alinea captured your heart, Orchids at Palm Court will enchant you with its similarly innovative approach to haute cuisine. Those who relish the vibrant Mexican flavors and lively atmosphere at Frontera Grill will find comfort in Mazunte, where the authenticity and passion for Mexican gastronomy shines through. Meanwhile, pizza aficionados who swear by Pequod's unique deep-dish pies will appreciate the robust and hearty slices at Adriatico's New York Style Pizza, capturing the spirit of Chicago's pizza scene right in the heart of Cincinnati.

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Chicago vs. Cincinnati Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move, crucial to understand how the two cities compare when making this significant transition. This comparison will highlight key aspects such as housing costs, statistics, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle in Chicago and Cincinnati, offering a comprehensive view to make an informed decision.

ComparisonChicagoCincinnati
Typical Architecture StyleGothic and ModernVictorian and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLake and skyline viewsSpacious backyards

The housing market in Chicago and Cincinnati showcases distinct features that cater to various preferences and lifestyles. In Chicago, the higher urban lifestyle score reflects the city's dense entertainment, shopping, and dining options, making it appealing for those seeking a vibrant city life. The architecture in Chicago leans towards Gothic and modern styles, with real estate listings often highlighting lake and skyline views, indicative of the city's sprawling urban landscape. On the other hand, Cincinnati provides a more affordable housing market, with a lean towards Victorian and modern architecture. The city's lower walkability and bikeability scores hint at a more car-dependent lifestyle but also emphasize more spacious living environments, as seen in listings which often feature spacious backyards—a nod to Cincinnati's more suburban feel within city limits.

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather patterns. This comparison helps you understand how weather in Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH differs and prepares you for what to expect. Knowing these differences will help you adjust more comfortably to your new home.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

Chicago, IL

87°F / 66°F

Cincinnati, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
32°F / 18°F

Chicago, IL

40°F / 24°F

Cincinnati, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

44"

Cincinnati, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36"

Chicago, IL

22"

Cincinnati, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChicagoCincinnati
Air QualityModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Natural DisastersBlizzards, Cold WavesFloods, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Chicago to Cincinnati, you'll find both cities experience four distinct seasons, but the winters in Cincinnati tend to be milder, and summers slightly warmer, a significant comfort change for some. Although Cincinnati receives less sunshine annually, it compensates with more rainfall, which contributes to its lush greenery in comparison to Chicago's more urban setting. Air quality can vary between the two, with Cincinnati occasionally experiencing periods that are unhealthy for sensitive groups due to its geographical basin that traps pollutants. For those with allergies, Cincinnati's higher mold and pollen levels in certain seasons might require adjustment. Understanding these nuances will better prepare you for your relocation.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Cincinnati

When exploring a move from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH, it's crucial to understand financial implications tied with the transition. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and income potential between Chicago and Cincinnati sets the stage for a financially sound decision.

ComparisonChicagoCincinnati
Avg. Household Income$66,576$42,733
Cost of Living Index116.993.8
State Income Tax4.953.99
Avg. Property Tax2.101.81
Avg. Sales Tax10.257.00
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, ManufacturingHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyVariousVarious
HomelessnessConcerningNotable

In comparing financial factors between Chicago and Cincinnati, the cost of living stands out significantly. Cincinnati showcases a more affordable lifestyle with a lower cost of living index. This difference can greatly affect your daily and long-term financial planning. State income tax is also lower in Cincinnati, further enhancing its affordability. However, average household incomes are slightly lower in Cincinnati than in Chicago, which could influence overall financial well-being. Understanding these nuances will help you make a more informed decision about your move.

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Political & Religious Comparison

In preparing for a move from Chicago, IL, to Cincinnati, OH, understanding the local scene is crucial for a smooth transition. This quick guide offers a comparison highlighting the political and religious makeup between Chicago & Cincinnati . It serves as a helpful snapshot for new residents to grasp the community vibes and values of their new home.

ChicagoCincinnati
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive on social issuesModerate, with some conservative suburbs
ReligionCatholic with diverse religious communitiesCatholic, significant Protestant presence

Both Chicago and Cincinnati have a predominant Democratic leaning in their political makeup, though Cincinnati presents a more moderate political landscape with a substantial number of conservative suburbs surrounding the city. This could influence your experience depending on your political views. Religion plays a central role in the community fabric of both cities, with Catholicism being a major religious denomination. In Chicago, the diverse religious communities contribute to a vibrant multicultural scene, while Cincinnati also boasts a significant Protestant presence, alongside its Catholic roots. This mixture of religious and political backgrounds in your new city can enrich your moving experience, offering a chance to engage with a broad spectrum of viewpoints and traditions.

Chicago vs. Cincinnati Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH introduces significant changes in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Cincinnati is designed to help you better understand what to expect from each city's transit landscape, from average commute times to public transit availability.

ComparisonChicagoCincinnati
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3424
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesMore challenging

In Chicago, the average commute time is about ten minutes longer than in Cincinnati, which reflects the larger population and more intense traffic congestion. Chicago scores higher in public transit availability, thanks to its extensive network that includes the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and 'L' trains, making it easier to get by without a car. In contrast, Cincinnati, while offering some public transit options like the Metro bus service and the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar, presents more challenges for those wishing to rely solely on public transportation. Understanding these differences can help you plan and adjust your daily commute more effectively after relocating.

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