Our pro movers sat down to write out a blog to give you an idea of the costs of moving and living in Chicago. Budget anywhere from $400 to $20,000+ for the move. While the ranges are big, this article will give you an idea of what categories to consider when budgeting, as well as answer your heated questions about the move.
- Hourly Rates in Chicago: $90 – $300 per hour
- Local Move (under 100 miles): $400 – $4,500
- Long-Distance Move (250 to 2,500 miles from Chicago): $1,500 – $12,000+
- Cross-Country Move (2,500 miles+ from Chicago): $3,000 – $20,000+
- DIY Move (renting a truck): $150 – $2,000+ (depending on truck size, mileage, and fuel)
Cost to Hire Local and Long-Distance Movers in Chicago?
Costs can vary widely based on your needs, here’s a general idea of what you might expect locally in Chicago:
Local Movers in Chicago
Local moves (within 100 miles) tend to be more affordable than long-distance relocations. For example, moving from one Chicago neighbourhood to another might cost you less than moving to a suburb, which ranges from $90 to $300 per hour for a small team of labourers (usually two to three movers).
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $400 – $1,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $600 – $1,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $1,000 – $2,000
- 4-Bedroom House: $1,500 – $2,500
- 5-Bedroom House: $2,000 – $3,000
| Move Type | Cost per Hour | No. Movers | Estimated Cost |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $90 – $300 | 2-3 Movers | $400 – $1,000 |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $90 – $300 | 3 Movers | $600 – $1,500 |
| 3-Bedroom House | $90 – $300 | 3-4 Movers | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 4-Bedroom House | $90 – $300 | 4 Movers | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| 5-Bedroom House | $90 – $300 | 4-5 Movers | $2,000 – $3,000 |
Long-Distance Movers in Chicago
If you’re moving outside of the main city, the costs tend to increase due to distance and the weight of your items. Prices can vary based on the volume of your your items and the specific distance.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,500 – $3,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,500 – $4,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $3,500 – $6,000
- 4-Bedroom House: $5,000 – $8,000
- 5-Bedroom House: $6,500 – $12,000+
| Miles | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | 4-Bedroom | 5-Bedroom |
| 250 miles | $1,500 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $6,500 | $6,500 – $8,000 |
| 500 miles | $1,700 – $2,300 | $2,800 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $7,000 | $7,000 – $9,000 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,000 – $2,800 | $3,200 – $4,500 | $4,500 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $10,000 |
| 1,500 miles | $2,200 – $3,000 | $3,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $6,500 | $6,500 – $8,500 | $8,500 – $11,000 |
| 2,500 miles+ | $2,500 – $3,000 | $3,800 – $5,500 | $5,500 – $7,500 | $7,500 – $9,500 | $9,500 – $12,000+ |
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Additional Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago
Many movers offer extra services that can add to your total cost and affect the total bill:
- Packing Services: If you prefer to sit back and let the pros handle packing, expect to pay an additional $200 to $500. This is worth it if you are working during this time making that money back so don’t forget to consider this.
- Extra Items: Moving strange items like pianos, artwork, or large appliances may come with extra fees. Always tell your moving company about any special items during the part when you ask for a binding quote.
- Insurance: Basic liability coverage is typically included, but consider purchasing additional insurance for high-value items. Make sure you understand the premiums expected of you.
Chicago Costs of Living
Housing is typically the largest expense in any budget. In Chicago, the average rent and home prices vary by neighborhood.
Rent:
- Studio Apartment: $1,500 – $2,200
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,000 – $3,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,500 – $4,000
- Average Home Price: Approximately $330,000
- Price per Square Foot: Around $220
- Electricity: $100 – $150
- Gas: $50 – $80
- Water: $40 – $70
- Internet: $60 – $100
- Inexpensive Restaurant: $15 – $25 per meal
- Mid-range Restaurant: $50 – $100 for two
How Does Payment Work in The Industry?
Movers typically offer two pricing structures: hourly rates and flat rates. Both are expensive in Chicago.
Hourly Rates
In Chicago, hourly rates can range from $90 to $300 per hour, depending on the size of the team needed and the time of year. This method is common for local moves and generally includes two to three moving labourers for the job.
Flat Rate
Flat rates are more common for long-distance moves or larger relocations. These rates are based on factors like distance, size of the move, and any extra services. Expect flat rates to vary widely, often between $800 and $5,000 or more. It truly depends on many factors.
Popular Moving Routes from Chicago and Their Costs
The costs for these routes vary depending on the distance, size of your home, and specific needs. Below are some popular moving routes from Chicago and what you might expect to pay:
1. Chicago to New York City (Approx. 790 miles)
A popular move for professionals, students, or those seeking the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,000 – $3,500
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,500 – $5,000
- 3-Bedroom House: $5,000 – $7,500
- 4-Bedroom House: $7,000 – $9,500
- 5-Bedroom House: $9,000 – $12,000
2. Chicago to Dallas (Approx. 1,000 miles)
Dallas has been attracting people due to its job opportunities and lower cost of living compared to other major cities.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,000 – $3,500
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,000 – $4,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $4,500 – $6,500
- 4-Bedroom House: $6,000 – $8,500
- 5-Bedroom House: $8,000 – $10,500
3. Chicago to Denver (Approx. 1,000 miles)
Many are moving to Denver for its outdoor lifestyle, job opportunities in tech, and growing culture.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,000 – $3,500
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,000 – $4,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $4,500 – $6,500
- 4-Bedroom House: $6,000 – $8,000
- 5-Bedroom House: $7,500 – $10,000
4. Chicago to Los Angeles (Approx. 2,000 miles)
For those seeking a fresh start on the West Coast, the Chicago to LA route is common for people moving for jobs or lifestyle changes.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $3,500 – $5,500
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $5,000 – $7,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $7,500 – $11,000
- 4-Bedroom House: $10,000 – $14,000
- 5-Bedroom House: $13,000 – $17,500
5. Chicago to Miami (Approx. 1,200 miles)
For those looking for warmer weather, a move to Miami is becoming increasingly popular, especially for retirees and professionals in creative industries.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,500 – $4,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,500 – $5,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $5,000 – $7,500
- 4-Bedroom House: $7,000 – $9,500
- 5-Bedroom House: $9,500 – $12,500
6. Chicago to Tampa (Approx. 1,100 miles)
Tampa, with its warm climate and affordable living, has become a popular spot for people relocating from Chicago, especially retirees and families. The costs for this move are:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,500 – $4,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,500 – $5,500
- 3-Bedroom House: $5,000 – $7,500
- 4-Bedroom House: $7,000 – $9,500
- 5-Bedroom House: $9,500 – $12,500
Tips for Saving Money on Your Move
Moving can be expensive, but there are ways to save without sacrificing quality.
- Declutter Before You Move to Chicago: Before packing, take the time to really declutter your belongings. The less you have to move, the more money you’ll save.
- Pack Yourself and Skip the Fees: If you’re up for it, packing your belongings can save you a lot. Just make sure to use quality packing materials and label boxes.Pro tip: pack a “first-night” box with essentials like toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes.
- Choose Your Moving Date Wisely: Try to schedule your move during a weekday. Weekends are popular for moves, so you will find that movers are less busy (and potentially cheaper) during the week.
Top Questions People Ask When Hiring Movers in Chicago
How far in advance should I book my Chi-town movers?
It’s ideal to book your movers at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during the peak season. This gives you the time to compare quotes and ensure availability. Pricing Van Lines has your back no matter when you book.
What should I do if it rains on my moving day as Chicago tends to do?
Don’t let it rain on your parade too. Chicago weather can be unpredictable, so can my moods. If it rains, don’t worry! Professional movers are ready to handle bad weather. Just cover your belongings and have towels on hand for any wet items. Chicago can get pretty cold due to the wind-chill so make sure you have enough warm clothes on hand if you are planning a winter move.
Are my movers insured?
Most reputable companies offer basic liability coverage, but the premiums are usually high. You can always buy external insurance if you want to.
Should I tip my movers?
Yes! Tipping is customary in the moving industry. A general guideline is to tip between 15% – 20% of the total cost, depending on the service quality. This is similar to a restaurant bill service fee.
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Awaits!
Hiring movers in Chicago can be as simple as ordering your pizza. Simply book with Priicng Van Lines online today! After reading this article and understanding the costs involved with a Chicago move you are ready for this life event. Remember, moving is not just about packing up and relocating to Chicago; it’s the beginning of a new adventure as a family. Embrace the change, and who knows- You might just discover that moving is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start! Best of luck from our teams at Pricing Van Lines!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your top tip for a first-time mover in Chicago’s winter?
When you plan your move date in the winter cold months, ensure everything is waterproofed and you have all the warm clothes you need accessible.
I highly recommend knowing a list of dates that works best for your close family members who have agreed to help with the move so that you can find a mover that can work around these time and date limitations.
How long does it take to pack up the kitchen on average?
This depends on many factors such as size, the needs you have to use the kitchen towards your move date. I would say between 3 hours to 3 days. Start by packing up the kitchen less used items and as you go, pack away more and more.
Try to eat up any open packages and donate or discard the leftovers. The kitchen should be the last room you pack up so that you don’t go hungry. Don’t forget to label the boxes as you go!
Where can I find cardboard boxes in Chicago?
There are ways to purchase or source free cartons. Most movers are happy to deliver you boxes for a fee when you book with them. You can also buy them at hardware stores. Another option is to go to major chain and grocery stores and request their boxes from their daily deliveries for free. If you are shipping your goods you might even want to consider plastic cartons instead.
Should I use the full packing option that Pricing Van Lines offers for my Chicago move?
Professional packers are not a must, but will work at incredible speeds just to get all your items packed up safely. Think about the time you will save by not sorting through all your home goods of the past years. Our movers will have your entire home packed up and bubble wrapped in no time.
If you are in a time crunch, in the midst of important work projects, or just want to feel like a VIP customer, consider using a packing full service moving option. As well consider the fact that you will likely break some of your delicates if you lack packing experience so you may save overall by choosing the full service package.
What is the best and cheapest time of year for a move?
If you are looking to save a dollar or two, the winter months, especially midweek, and midday, are the cheapest time to move. Pricing Van Lines has great rates year-long, but these times are the absolute best time to move and save.
Most people move in the summer in order for their kids to start the school year off and also prefer not to miss a day of work. Also, many contracts on homes end at the end of the month, so mid-month moves on odd days are ideal. You can potentially save hundreds of dollars more by changing your schedule.
