Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tampa to Chicago typically costs $2,700–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,172 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tampa to Chicago
Moving from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,700–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,172-mile move from Tampa to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,059 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,379 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $3,085 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 28, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tampa to Chicago move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,100 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,500 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Tampa.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $900 to $2,300, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL guide.
Best Tampa to Chicago movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Tampa to Chicago
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Tampa to Chicago much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best FL→IL movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 227 Florida movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tampa to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 13% higher for singles and 14% higher for families than Tampa.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $3,232 in Tampa; families pay $9,266 compared with $8,108.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tampa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,967 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,616 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $371,271 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,802 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,232 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,108 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 6% higher than in Tampa, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 20% more affordable in Chicago compared to Tampa.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 7% higher in Chicago compared to Tampa, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Chicago, as living costs for a single person are 13% higher than in Tampa. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 14% higher than in Tampa.
- Chicago shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Tampa by around 80%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 58% more than in Tampa, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Tampa and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Tampa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $239.17 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.60 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.59 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.09 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tampa than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tampa than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Tampa than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Tampa than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tampa than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tampa than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tampa than in Chicago.
How life is different in Tampa vs. Chicago
| Tampa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 403,364 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 72 |
| Crime index | 46.15 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 53.85 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 581% greater than Tampa.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Tampa's score of 8.
- Chicago is more walkable than Tampa with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Tampa's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Tampa, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Tampa with a score of 35.19 compared to Tampa's 46.15. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tampa neighborhoods are safer than 46.15%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Tampa with a score of 33.87 vs Tampa's 53.85.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Tampa it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tampa to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Illinois’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Chicago
Planning your move to Chi-Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tampa to Chicago?
Planning your move from Tampa to Chicago? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Tampa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tampa to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Tampa to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Tampa to Chicago take?
The 1,172-mile journey from Tampa, FL to Chicago, IL, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Tampa offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.
Are there special savings available from movers in Tampa?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Tampa?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Tampa, 32 movers can manage piano relocations. 20 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
