Top local movers for Chicago to St. Paul moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to St. Paul can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 68 local movers in Chicago who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to St. Paul.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to St. Paul?
Movers in Illinois generally charge an average of $113 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $971 – $3,070 | $620 – $1,592 | $365 – $637 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,729 – $4,596 | $1,180 – $2,260 | $388 – $747 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,020 – $6,838 | $1,473 – $2,915 | $502 – $952 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to St. Paul
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to St. Paul typically costs between $971 and $3,070. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,729 and $4,596 when moving from Chicago to St. Paul. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to St. Paul, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,020 up to $6,838.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to St. Paul
If you’re relocating from Chicago to St. Paul, you’ll typically spend between $620 and $1,592 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,180 up to $2,260. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,473 and $2,915. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to St. Paul
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to St. Paul move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $365 and $637. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $388 to $747. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $502 and $952.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to St. Paul
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Chicago to St. Paul might be as low as $1,400, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,461.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Chicago.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $365 to $876 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Chicago to St. Paul
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – St. Paul runs about 0% higher for singles and -54% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $3,633 in Chicago versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $4,290 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $63,483 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,633 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,290 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.88% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 9.85% |
- Good news! When moving to St. Paul from Chicago, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 34% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 6% cheaper in St. Paul, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 11% lower in St. Paul than in Chicago.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between St. Paul and Chicago, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to St. Paul could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 54% lower than in Chicago.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 46% lower than Chicago, St. Paul boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in St. Paul and Chicago (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 99% higher in Minnesota than in Illinois. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and St. Paul, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | |
| Gym membership | $78.31 |
How life is different in Chicago vs. St. Paul
| Chicago | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 303,176 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 64 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 50.86 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 49.14 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Paul’s population is about 89% less than Chicago.
- St. Paul’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- St. Paul is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- St. Paul’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 50.86 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- St. Paul is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.14 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to St. Paul move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Minnesota moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Minnesota, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to St. Paul without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in St. Paul
Ready to relocate to Pigs Eye? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in St. Paul.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
Now that you’ve made the move to Minnesota, it’s the perfect time to explore St. Paul. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in St. Paul include museums and art centers like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to St. Paul?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to St. Paul. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to St. Paul?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to St. Paul in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to St. Paul take?
Covering 407 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to St. Paul, typically takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in St. Paul can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to St. Paul?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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