($532+) Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Baltimore, MD, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $548 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,480 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 702 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 $1,457, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,480 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,105 - $3,434, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $548 - $1,437.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Baltimore, MD, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,117 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Baltimore to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,117 - $5,675 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 702 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 702-mile route from Baltimore to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,457 - $4,243 | $1,105 - $1,868 | $548 - $1,009 | $995 - $1,717 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,117 - $5,675 | $1,336 - $2,834 | $592 - $1,258 | $1,102 - $2,158 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,983 - $7,480 | $1,863 - $3,434 | $704 - $1,437 | $1,535 - $2,945 |
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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Baltimore, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,457 and $7,480. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 702-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $295 - $1,964, 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 Baltimore and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Baltimore tend to start around $263 plus $110/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 Baltimore to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,457 - $4,243
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,117 - $5,675
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,983 - $7,480
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 Baltimore to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 95% of Baltimore 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 | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready95% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Von Paris Moving & Storage | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage28% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Von Paris Moving & Storage | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type72% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Von Paris Moving & Storage | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling41% of local movers | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Von Paris Moving & Storage | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Baltimore 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Baltimore, MD. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Baltimore, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,105 and $3,434. 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 Baltimore runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Baltimore to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,105 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,336 - $2,834
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,863 - $3,434
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Baltimore, MD 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 $687 in Baltimore, MD, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $74 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $147 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 Maryland 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 $1,105. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,336 - $2,834, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore:
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 16 years in business
- Orly Moving Systems, Inc. (4.8/5), 34 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Baltimore, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $548 - $1,437 for the 702-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $219 - $251
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Baltimore daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $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 Baltimore to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $548 - $1,009
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $592 - $1,258
- 4+ bedrooms: $704 - $1,437
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $548 - $1,437 when pricing out a rental truck from Baltimore to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($219 - $251) , and overnight lodging ($147/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $219 - $251 for the 702-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Baltimore, Maryland, for about 5 hours typically costs around $687.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 702-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $147 per night, adding $295 - $442 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $295.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Baltimore 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Baltimore, Maryland, 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 $1,102 and $2,158.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Baltimore to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,535 - $2,945
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $74 - $147 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Baltimore, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $687.
What are the best freight companies from Baltimore to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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: Baltimore, MD vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Baltimore. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 93 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 64/100 and 27.28/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland 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 52 movers based in Maryland, handy for sizing up options on this 702-mile route.
Our take
The 702-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,457 and $7,480 with full-service movers, $1,105 - $3,434 with a moving container, and $548 - $1,437 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 $2,117 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 Baltimore, MD, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $592 - $1,258. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($219 - $251), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $147/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Baltimore, MD 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 is the best time of year to move from Baltimore, MD 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Baltimore, MD 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 percentage of Baltimore movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 72% of movers in Baltimore handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
