($365+) Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $365 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,541 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 407 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,152, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,541 or more.
- Moving containers run $885 - $2,831, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $365 - $896.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,983 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 Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis 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 $1,983 - $4,819. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 80% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 407 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 407-mile route from Minneapolis to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,152 - $3,790 | $885 - $1,529 | $365 - $650 | $837 - $1,462 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,983 - $4,819 | $1,157 - $2,238 | $404 - $825 | $935 - $1,844 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,235 - $7,541 | $1,457 - $2,831 | $468 - $896 | $1,275 - $2,310 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
For the 407-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,152 and $7,541. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $320 - $2,132 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Minneapolis generally start around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $3,790
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,983 - $4,819
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,235 - $7,541
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 Minneapolis to Chicago.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $213 - $1,279/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $320 - $2,558 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,066 - $3,198 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,665 - $10,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $798 - $1,517 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $693 - $2,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $320 - $15,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $320 - $3,731+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis 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.
How much do local movers cost in Minneapolis, MN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Chicago with a local mover averages $2,002 - $4,867. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Minneapolis, MN can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Premium Moving Services (4.52/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Minneapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 280 customers, 85.7% of which is positive.
Address: 949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN, 55119 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $885 and $2,831. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Minneapolis runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $885 - $1,529
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,157 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,457 - $2,831
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $746 in Minneapolis, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $80 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $160 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota 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 $885. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,157 - $2,238.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $365 - $896 for the 407-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $138 - $158
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Minneapolis to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $365 - $650
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $404 - $825
- 4+ bedrooms: $468 - $896
Pro tip: The base rate of $365 - $896 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Minneapolis to Chicago. Fuel ($138 - $158), lodging at around $160/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $80 and $373.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $160.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $138 and $158 for the 407-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $746 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $935 and $1,844.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $935 - $1,844
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,275 - $2,310
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $80 - $160 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, typically costs $746.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis 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.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Minneapolis. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 107 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 43.94/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 151 movers based in Minnesota, handy for sizing up options on this 407-mile route.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,152 - $7,541 on the 407-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $885 - $2,831, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $365 - $896. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,983 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($138 - $158), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $160/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $365 to $7,541, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,152 and $7,541, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.