Chicago, IL to Florida Movers (2026 Costs)
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Based on moveBuddha's in-house pricing data, most moves from Chicago, IL to Florida cost $2,561-$5,944 with full-service movers. The route is about 1,213 miles, and takes 2-8 days from pickup to delivery. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2026.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Florida?
Moving from Chicago to Florida can cost as low as $790 for a small DIY move and as much as $8,040 for a large home using full-service movers.
See a full breakdown in the table below:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,126 - $4,595 | $1,235 - $2,292 | $790 - $1,391 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,561 - $5,944 | $1,608 - $3,035 | $846 - $1,722 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,220 - $8,040 | $2,177 - $4,443 | $1,001 - $2,100 |
Read our full guide on the cost of Chicago, IL movers.
Real quotes from the Chicago to Florida corridor: These are live estimates pulled from moveBuddha's monthly dataset of verified quotes. Use them as a benchmark when comparing mover bids.
Best Chicago, IL to Florida Movers
- New City Moving (4.7/5 stars): New City Moving is the best full-service mover for the Chicago to Florida route based on moveBuddha's verified-quote data and methodology.
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units Moving and Portable Storage is our best container pick. Units Moving and Portable Storage is a solid fit if you want to keep control of your packing timeline without driving a truck yourself.
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the lowest-cost option for moving from Chicago to Florida. If you're comfortable driving a large truck, this is the way to save the most money.
| Mover | Best for | Rating | 2-br starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New City Moving | Full-service moving | 4.7 | $2,561 |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | Moving containers | 4.3 | $1,608 |
| Budget Truck Rental | Rental trucks | 4.3 | $846 |
Read our full guide on the best Chicago, IL movers.
Living in Florida vs. Illinois
Here's how Florida compares to Illinois on cost of living, climate, and politics, so you know what to expect after the move.
| Illinois | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 102 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $67,917 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $392,176 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $1,444 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
| Summer high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Winter low | 17°F | 49°F |
| Political leaning* | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 51-48 |
*Based on 2024 presidential election
How to move from Chicago to Florida
Use this Chicago-specific checklist to plan your 1,213-mile move to Florida and compare movers with confidence.
- Estimate your Chicago to Florida moving cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your 1,213-mile move from Chicago to Florida. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move on this route typically costs $2,561 to $5,944, with smaller DIY moves starting as low as $790.
- Choose your moving method. Pick the option that fits your budget and how hands-on you want to be: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), or a rental truck (cheapest, but you drive). Based on this route's 2-3 bedroom starting prices, containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service and rental trucks save around 67%.
- Compare Chicago interstate movers. 185 moving companies licensed for interstate moves operate out of Chicago, so vet each carrier carefully. Verify every company's USDOT number at FMCSA.dot.gov before booking and compare movers using moveBuddha's verified-quote data for the Chicago to Florida corridor.
- Get quotes and book your move. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks of lead time. Interstate capacity in Chicago is deep enough that availability is rarely the constraint, so use the runway to negotiate rather than to chase open dates. Collect at least 3 written quotes, take a room-by-room inventory survey, and confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding before you commit. On this route, packing labor, long-carry or stair fees, and valuation coverage are the line items most likely to differ between estimates.
- Pack for a 1,213-mile move from Chicago. Start packing non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks before pickup. Declutter before you pack to reduce weight-based interstate costs on the 1,213-mile haul from Chicago. Label boxes by room, pack a first-night essentials bag for your car, and confirm your mover's policy on plants and hazardous materials.
- Settle in Florida. After delivery in Florida, update your driver's license and vehicle registration if required, transfer utilities before move-in day, update voter registration, and notify your bank, employer, insurance carriers, and the IRS of your new address within 30 days.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
- Comparing movers through our moving cost calculator helps moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to booking without one.
- Booking a moveBuddha Certified mover unlocks $1,000 in added move coverage and dedicated customer support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers, helping you resolve the issue and protect your move.
FAQ
How long does a move from Chicago to Florida take?
On average, it takes 2-8 days to make the 1,213-mile move from Chicago to Florida.
What's the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Florida?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to Florida. A 2-bedroom move on this route starts around $846 with a rental truck company like Budget Truck Rental.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
What percentage of movers in Illinois are licensed for interstate moves?
76% of moving companies in Illinois are licensed for interstate moves. Chicago itself has 185 interstate-licensed movers to choose from for this route.
Is it cheaper to use a moving container, rental truck, or full-service movers?
Full-service movers cost the most but do all the work. Based on this route's 2-3 bedroom starting prices, moving containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service and rental trucks save around 67%, but you handle the loading (and driving, for trucks) yourself.
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