Top-rated movers to make your Minneapolis to Chicago move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Minneapolis that offers long-distance services to Chicago can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 34 top local movers in Minneapolis who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Minneapolis to Chicago.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to Chicago?
In Minnesota, moving services typically cost around $209 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,039 – $3,099 | $664 – $1,547 | $375 – $676 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,889 – $5,327 | $1,122 – $2,173 | $408 – $747 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,984 – $7,251 | $1,503 – $2,859 | $497 – $924 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to Chicago
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Chicago from Minneapolis, you can expect prices to land between $1,039 and $3,099. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,889 to $5,327 for the trip from Minneapolis to Chicago. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,984 and $7,251.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to Chicago
Moving containers from Minneapolis to Chicago will cost you $664 to $1,547 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,122 to $2,173. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,503 to $2,859. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Minneapolis to Chicago typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $375 and $676 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $408 to $747. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $497 to $924.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Minneapolis to Chicago move
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,514 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,399 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Minneapolis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $375 to $816, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about -6% higher for singles and 97% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Minneapolis versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 4.95% |
- Planning a move to Chicago? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 38% higher than in Minneapolis, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Chicago and Minneapolis, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- In terms of average income, Chicago and Minneapolis are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Chicago, as the cost of living for a single person is 6% lower compared to Minneapolis.
- 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 97% higher than in Minneapolis.
- Chicago shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Minneapolis by around 100%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Chicago are 14% more than in Minneapolis, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Illinois are 50% below those in Minnesota. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Minneapolis and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Minneapolis than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Minneapolis than in Chicago.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Chicago
| Minneapolis | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 72 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 546% greater than Minneapolis.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- Chicago is more walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 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 Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 35.19 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Minneapolis with a score of 33.87 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Chicago?
Planning your move from Minneapolis to Chicago? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Chicago?
Because most people are moving from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Chicago take?
The 407-mile journey from Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 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 Minneapolis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Minneapolis, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Minnesota has 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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