Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago For Local and Long Distance

The cost to hire movers in Chicago ranges from $90 to $130. But if you want an exact figure, there are a lot of factors to remember. In this article, we’ll walk you through all your major moving costs, and show you how you can save.

Cost to Hire Movers in Chicago

Factors That Affects Chicago Moving Costs

How much does it cost to move in Chicago? Your exact figure depends on a few key factors. Let’s take a look:

  • Distance: When you’re shopping for a quote, the biggest factor behind your moving price is usually the distance. The farther you have to travel, the more money you’ll have to pay. This can stack up, especially if you’re moving from Chicago to Cape Coral.
  • Physical dimensions: This is the physical size of your move. Some moving companies assign a value to all your stuff in weight, and others assign a value in volume. Either way, it’s a good idea to downsize and trim the excess before you shop for quotes.
  • Packing services: Packing is an optional service, but you’ll need it if A: You want to make your life easier, and B: You want full-value insurance coverage. In any case, it ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand, depending on how much stuff needs packing.
  • Storage: Another optional service, but lots of people end up shelling out a little extra for storage. A storage unit gives you extra space, and extra time while you figure out where everything will live. Plus, many moving companies offer a free month!
  • Insurance: Basic moving coverage is complimentary, but it’s usually only good for $0.60 per pound. If you want to get more than $2.40 for that damaged PS5, you’ll have to pay for full-value insurance coverage (and professional packing, too).

Cost to Hire Local Chicago Movers

Local moving in Chicago will cost you between $390 to $5,100.

Anything under 100 miles (and within the same state) counts as a local move. These are typically priced by the hour, and by the amount of local movers required for the job. For reference, it usually takes 2 movers per bedroom.

If you want to save money on a local move, you should do everything you can to streamline the big day. Try to schedule the move far away from rush hour, and try to stage all your belongings in one easy-to-access room or corner.

Choose Item

No. of Movers:2 movers

# Hours:2 – 4 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$80/hr

Average Price:$80/hr

No. of Movers:2 movers

# Hours:3 – 6 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$80/hr

Average Price:$80/hr

No. of Movers:3 movers

# Hours:4 – 8 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$125/hr

Average Price:$125/hr

No. of Movers:4 movers

# Hours:6 – 12 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$165/hr

Average Price:$165/hr

No. of Movers:4 movers

# Hours:8 – 14 hours

Ave Cost / Hr:$165/hr

Average Price:$165/hr


Cost to Hire Long Distance Chicago Movers

Chicago long distance moving will cost you between $2,100 and $12,600. But what counts as a long distance move in the first place?

In the moving industry, anything over 100 miles or across state lines counts as a long distance move - even if the state line’s just a mile away. Long distance moves are charged per mile, and per pound. Some movers will use cubic feet, instead.

Whatever the specifics, it’s a good idea to trim down your belongings before shopping for a quote. If you don’t want it, get rid of it so it’s not included on that final estimate!

Pro tip: Long distance movers are required to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, so look for an MC number on your Chicago mover’s website to make sure they’re legit.

Choose Item

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1000 - $1500

2-3 Bedrooms:$1250 - $1700

4-5 Bedrooms:$2000 - $3400

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1200 - $2000

2-3 Bedrooms:$1500 - $3500

4-5 Bedrooms:$2500 - $5200

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1400 - $2900

2-3 Bedrooms:$2100 - $6900

4-5 Bedrooms:$5500 – $7900

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1800 - $3700

2-3 Bedrooms:$3900 - $7500

4-5 Bedrooms:$7500 – $8500

Studio -1 Bedroom:$1900 - $3700

2-3 Bedrooms:$3900 - $7500

4-5 Bedrooms:$8500 - $12600


Additional Moving Costs

Use this section for a bulleted list of hidden fees and extras that the reader may pay for:

  • Access Fees: If you have a long driveway or a gate, or you live in a neighborhood with strict parking regulations, you may have to pay a little extra for the trouble. The same applies to apartment buildings with elevators, long halls, and multiple flights of stairs.
  • Shuttle Fees: Some cities are pretty strict on where your movers can park their big moving trucks. Unfortunately, this means your movers may have to use a smaller shuttle truck to get your items from your place to the staging area.
  • Specialty Hauling: If you have art, antiques, or anything else that’s fragile, expensive, or just plain bulky, the extra TLC will cost you some extra USD. Still, it’s much better than trying to pack your Stradivarius in with your dirty laundry. 
  • Increased Demand: Avoid a summer move if you can. June, July, and August have historically commanded the highest rates for moving since everyone wants to move when school’s out. Try to book a mid-month, mid-week move, far from the holidays.
  • Tips and Gratuity: While your tip isn’t explicitly included in your moving quote, you should still budget accordingly. Moving is hard work, and tips are oftentimes expected. 15% to 20% is a good figure, to be split between your whole moving team.

Chicago Moving FAQs

PODS will typically set you back about $550 and $5,100, but it depends on how long you’ll need the unit, and how far it has to travel.

Still, moving containers like PODS are a great midpoint between a complete DIY job and paying the extra cash for full-service movers: Just the container up at your own pace, and the moving container company will take care of the transport.

It’ll cost you between $550 and $1,510 to move a car. Car transport is a pretty varied art. Some trailers are open and transport several cars at once, while others are closed trailers built for exotics.

Chicago moving companies will base a big part of your estimate off of the distance you’re traveling, and the amount that you’re transporting.

It’s all about miles and mass - and while you can’t really do much about the distance, you can definitely trim down the excess and get rid of unwanted items to save money.

A cross country move can set you back about $2,520 and $7,530. Try to book far in advance, and avoid peak moving season (June through August) if you want to save some money.

The cheapest way to move is to rent a moving truck, pack your own boxes, and DIY the whole thing. Would we recommend it? That depends on whether you can save on your gas, your food, and your lodging as well. And if you have to take time off work (and miss paychecks) for the big move? You may be better off paying a little extra for pro movers…


Find Your Chicago Movers Today!

You’ve seen the price, and now it’s time to meet the movers. At iMoving, we have over 1000 vetted and verified movers to choose from, and our marketplace makes booking your movers easier than ever.

We’re the only place that lets you shop around, compare prices, and book your Chicago moving companies in a few easy clicks. No annoying phone calls, no intrusive in-home inspections. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s get packing!


Harrison Gough

Harrison has been writing for real estate and moving companies for the past three years, but his knowledge isn't just from behind a desk. Having moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with professional help and sometimes on his own, he's learned firsthand what makes moving smooth and what makes it stressful. When he's not writing, he's looking into ways to make his next move simpler.

Get all moving services you need in one place

Shop Our Services