Top local movers for Lexington to Chicago moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Lexington that also provides long-distance services to Chicago can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed eight local movers in Lexington who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Lexington to Chicago.
- Wildcat Moving LLC: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Vincent Fister Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3952
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2207083
Alternate Names: Wildcat Furniture Repair , Wildcat Pressure Washing , The Wildcat Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 3885
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Beautiful World, LLC. , Two Men And A Truck – Lexington
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0065
Years in Business: 71
Alternate Names: Fister, Inc. , Vincent Fister Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1280
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Saunier North American , Saunier Moving & Storage, Inc., A North American Van Lines Agent
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4393
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving , MJ, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lexington to Chicago?
Movers in Kentucky generally charge an average of $105 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 | $964 – $2,937 | $586 – $1,431 | $346 – $596 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,766 – $4,754 | $1,072 – $2,068 | $365 – $765 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,774 – $6,765 | $1,493 – $2,796 | $453 – $880 |
Cost to hire movers from Lexington to Chicago
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Lexington to Chicago typically costs between $964 and $2,937. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,766 and $4,754 when moving from Lexington to Chicago. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Lexington to Chicago, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,774 up to $6,765.
Cost of moving containers from Lexington to Chicago
If you’re relocating from Lexington to Chicago, you’ll typically spend between $586 and $1,431 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,072 up to $2,068. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,493 and $2,796. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Lexington to Chicago
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Lexington to Chicago 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 $346 and $596. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $365 to $765. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $453 and $880.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Lexington to Chicago
The cost of Lexington movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Lexington to Chicago might be as low as $1,324, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,694.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Lexington.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $346 to $795 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Lexington to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 18% higher for singles and 122% higher for families than Lexington.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Lexington versus $3,100 in Lexington; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,170.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Lexington | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,175 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,110 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $309,021 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,526 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,100 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,170 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 4.0% | 4.95% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 52% higher in Chicago than in Lexington, which may impact your monthly finances.
- The home prices in Chicago and Lexington differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 16% higher in Chicago than in Lexington, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Chicago, as the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 18% greater than in Lexington. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Chicago, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 122% more than it is in Lexington.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago exceeds that of Lexington by about 109%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Chicago exceed those in Lexington by 71%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 24% higher in Illinois than in Kentucky. 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 Lexington and Chicago, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Lexington | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $206.92 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $71.33 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.98 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.90 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $14.25 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lexington than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Lexington than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lexington than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Lexington than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lexington than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lexington than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lexington than in Chicago.
How life is different in Lexington vs. Chicago
| Lexington | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 90 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 85 | 72 |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 49.12 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 757% greater than Lexington.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Lexington’s score of 4.
- Chicago is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Lexington’s 90 out of 100.
- Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Lexington, which has a score of 85.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 35.19 compared to Lexington’s 50.88. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Lexington with a score of 33.87 vs Lexington’s 49.12.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Lexington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lexington to Chicago 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, 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 Chicago 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. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chicago
Ready to relocate to Chi-Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Illinois, it’s the perfect time to explore Chicago. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 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 Lexington to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lexington to Chicago. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lexington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lexington to Chicago?
With many people choosing to move from Lexington to Chicago 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 Lexington to Chicago take?
Covering 368 miles, the move from Lexington, KY to Chicago, typically takes one to four days. Some Lexington movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chicago can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Lexington can handle specialty items for my move to Chicago?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Lexington, 6 movers can handle pianos. 4 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of KY, there are 21 piano movers and 14 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
Lexington moving services
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