($516+) Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $516 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,281 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 788 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,492, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,281 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,075 - $3,473, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $516 - $1,460.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,231 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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Jersey City to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,231 - $5,463 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 788 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 788-mile route from Jersey City to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,492 - $4,109 | $1,075 - $2,017 | $516 - $983 | $968 - $1,729 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,231 - $5,463 | $1,341 - $2,663 | $576 - $1,155 | $1,062 - $2,131 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,490 - $7,281 | $1,744 - $3,473 | $706 - $1,460 | $1,381 - $2,695 |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 788-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $1,492 - $7,281. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $379 - $2,528 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Jersey City and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Jersey City movers tend to run around $256 as a base rate plus $139/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,492 - $4,109
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,231 - $5,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,490 - $7,281
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 Jersey City to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City 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 packing71% of local movers | $632 - $6,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $253 - $1,517/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $379 - $3,034 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,264 - $3,792 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,160 - $12,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $947 - $1,799 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,264 - $3,160 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,011 - $4,424 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $379 - $1,896 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $822 - $2,528 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $379 - $18,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $379 - $4,424+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Jersey City, NJ. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,075 and $3,473. 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 Jersey City typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $2,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,341 - $2,663
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,744 - $3,473
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 $885 in Jersey City, NJ. 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 $95 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $190 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 New Jersey 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 $1,075. 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 $1,341 - $2,663.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 788 miles from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, running $516 - $1,460. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $317 - $362
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Jersey City to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $516 - $983
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $576 - $1,155
- 4+ bedrooms: $706 - $1,460
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $516 - $1,460 when pricing out a rental truck from Jersey City to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $317 - $362, and overnight lodging ($190/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $885.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $317 - $362 for the 788-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 $76 and $411, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $190 per night for hotel stops on the 788-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $379 - $569.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City 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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,062 and $2,131.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $968 - $1,729
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,062 - $2,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,381 - $2,695
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 $95 - $190 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 Jersey City, New Jersey, typically costs $885.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ 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 Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 106 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 315 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 788-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,492 for a studio to $7,281 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 788-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,075 - $3,473. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $516 - $1,460, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,231 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 Jersey City, NJ, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($317 - $362), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $190/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 87 and 64 in Jersey City. 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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $516 to $7,281, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,492 and $7,281, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ 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 do local movers charge in Jersey City?
Local movers based in Jersey City typically start around $256 as a base rate, plus $139/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.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.