Moving from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 277 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $710 – $1,099 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,995 – $3,056 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,598 – $5,494 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Chicago compares to Columbus
Columbus's median home value is $212,500 — 30% lower than Chicago's $304,500.
Median household income is $62,994 in Columbus versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $1,161 in Columbus and $1,314 in Chicago.
On housing costs, Columbus, OH looks more affordable than Chicago, IL — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 902,449 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $212,500 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $62,994 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,161 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.