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How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to New York?
Moving from Chicago to New York can cost as low as $594 for a small DIY move and as much as $7,884 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 | $1,649 - $4,538 | $1,062 - $1,975 | $594 - $1,042 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,301 - $5,515 | $1,479 - $2,965 | $629 - $1,238 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,777 - $7,884 | $1,907 - $3,866 | $764 - $1,611 |
Read our full guide on the cost of Chicago, IL movers.
What Chicago to New York movers are actually charging: The quotes below are real estimates from moveBuddha's verified pricing dataset, not averages or guesses. Prices vary based on home size, move date, and services included.
3 Bedrooms
Aug 27, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Aug 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 05, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Aug 04, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Aug 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jul 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jun 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jun 20, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jun 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jun 17, 2026
Best Chicago, IL to New York Movers
- Reebie Storage and Moving Co. (4.64/5 stars): For a full-service move from Chicago to New York, Reebie Storage and Moving Co. is the top-rated option.
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units Moving and Portable Storage earns the best container pick for this route. Units Moving and Portable Storage delivers a container to your door, gives you time to load, and handles the drive so you never have to rent a truck yourself.
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best rental truck for a Chicago to New York move. It's the right call when keeping costs low matters more than hiring help.
| Mover | Best for | Rating | Avg 2-br quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | Full-service moving | 4.64 | $2,301 |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | Moving containers | 4.3 | $1,479 |
| Budget Truck Rental | Rental trucks | 4.3 | $629 |
Read our full guide on the best Chicago, IL movers.
Living in New York vs. Chicago, IL
Here's how New York compares to Illinois on cost of living, climate, and politics, so you know what to expect after the move.
| Illinois | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 100 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $81,386 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $482,742 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $1,507 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 16ºF |
| Political leaning* | Democratic 55-45 | Democratic 60-40 |
*Based on 2024 presidential election
How to move from Chicago to New York
Use this Chicago-specific checklist to plan your 790-mile move to New York and compare movers with confidence.
- Estimate your Chicago to New York moving cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your 790-mile move from Chicago to New York. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move on this route typically costs $2,301 to $5,515, with smaller DIY moves starting as low as $594.
- 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). Containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service on this route; rental trucks save around 62%.
- Compare Chicago interstate movers. 51 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 New York 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 790-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 790-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 New York. After delivery in New York, 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 book your mover through moveBuddha:
- moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by running their move through our moving cost calculator before booking with a company.
- A moveBuddha Certified mover comes with $1,000 in added move coverage and dedicated support throughout the entire move.
- If anything goes wrong with your move, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your shipment.
FAQ
What's the cheapest way to move from Chicago to New York?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to New York. A 2-bedroom move on this route starts around $629 with a rental truck company like Budget Truck Rental.
How far in advance should I book movers from Chicago to New York?
4 to 6 weeks out is typically enough time to book movers from Chicago to New York. With 51 interstate-licensed movers operating out of Chicago, availability on this route is generally good. Booking earlier gives you more leverage to compare quotes and negotiate pricing.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle piano and antique moves?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What does it typically cost to move from Chicago to New York?
A 2-3 bedroom full-service move from Chicago to New York typically costs $2,301 to $5,515. DIY options like rental trucks and moving containers can bring that down significantly.
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. Moving containers cost roughly 35% less than full-service on this route, and rental trucks save around 62%, but you handle the loading (and driving, for trucks) yourself.
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