($402+) Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $364 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,919 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,233, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,919 or more.
- Moving containers run $967 - $2,942, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $364 - $960.
- 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 $2,003 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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,003 - $5,325. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 407-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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 | $1,233 - $4,221 | $967 - $1,706 | $364 - $710 | $896 - $1,474 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,003 - $5,325 | $1,154 - $2,303 | $412 - $800 | $991 - $1,881 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,297 - $7,919 | $1,561 - $2,942 | $496 - $960 | $1,352 - $2,354 |
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 Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 407-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,233 - $7,919. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $320 - $2,132. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Chicago. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,233 - $4,221
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,003 - $5,325
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,297 - $7,919
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis 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 | $533 - $5,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% 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 coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,066 - $2,665 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $853 - $3,731 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $320 - $1,599 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,943 - $5,166. 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 (4.48/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Minneapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 177 customers, 83.1% 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 $967 and $2,942. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Minneapolis typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $1,706
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,154 - $2,303
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,561 - $2,942
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $160 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $746 in Minneapolis, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $967. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,154 - $2,303, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL
Plan on $364 - $960 for a rental moving truck on the 407-mile route from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $364 - $710
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $412 - $800
- 4+ bedrooms: $496 - $960
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Minneapolis to Chicago starts at $364 - $960, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($138 - $158) , overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $746.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $138 - $158 for the 407-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $346, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night for hotel stops on the 407-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $320 - $480.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $991 and $1,881.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,474
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $991 - $1,881
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 - $2,354
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $746.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $80 - $160 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 Minneapolis to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Minneapolis to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Minneapolis and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 107 vs. 106. Average rent: $1,484/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 71 vs. 77. Safety index: 43.94 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota 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 49 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 407-mile move.
Our take
The 407-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,233 and $7,919 with full-service movers, $967 - $2,942 with a moving container, and $364 - $960 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,003 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
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.
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 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
