($538+) Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Greenville, SC, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $565 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,715 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 705 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,581, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,715 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,094 - $3,434, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $565 - $1,452.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Greenville, SC, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,272 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Greenville to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,272 - $5,238. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 705 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 705-mile route from Greenville to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,581 for a studio up to $7,715 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,094 - $3,434 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $565 - $1,452, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $976 - $2,690, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Greenville, South Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,581 and $7,715. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 705-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Greenville and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Greenville tend to start around $271 plus $189/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Greenville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,581 - $4,204
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,272 - $5,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,680 - $7,715
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Greenville to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 83% of Greenville movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready83% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: HD Auston Moving Systems | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: HD Auston Moving Systems | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Swamp Rabbit Moving | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Greenville to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Greenville, SC. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Greenville, South Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,094 and $3,434. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Greenville costs roughly $85/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Greenville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,094 - $2,045
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,391 - $2,753
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,919 - $3,434
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Greenville, SC and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $679 in Greenville, SC, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,094. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,391 - $2,753, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Greenville to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Greenville to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Greenville:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Swamp Rabbit Moving (4.9/5), 5 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 705 miles from Greenville, South Carolina, to Chicago, Illinois, running $565 - $1,452. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $218 - $249
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Greenville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Greenville to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $565 - $1,030
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $603 - $1,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $697 - $1,452
Pro tip: The base rate of $565 - $1,452 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Greenville to Chicago. Fuel ($218 - $249) , lodging at around $146/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $146 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $63 and $315 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $218 - $249 in fuel for the 705-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $679 in Greenville, South Carolina, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Greenville to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Greenville, South Carolina, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,091 and $2,114.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Greenville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,752
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,091 - $2,114
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,491 - $2,690
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Greenville, South Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Greenville to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Acme Logistics, Inc. (4.46/5 stars): Acme Logistics, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Greenville to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Greenville, SC vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Greenville on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Greenville, SC | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,551/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $455,774 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $68,460/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.0% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 61.44/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Greenville, SC guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 53 movers licensed in South Carolina, useful context for sizing up this 705-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Greenville, SC, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,581 - $7,715 on the 705-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,094 - $3,434 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $565 - $1,452 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,272 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Greenville, SC, to Chicago, IL
What do local movers charge in Greenville?
Local movers based in Greenville typically start around $271 as a base rate, plus $189/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 43 and 49 in Greenville. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 61.44 and 38.56 in Greenville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Greenville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Greenville handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
