($1,151) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Memphis

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Memphis, you can expect to spend between $1,151 and $3,232. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,045 to $5,001 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Memphis typically runs between $3,519 and $7,260.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Memphis

When moving from Chicago to Memphis, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $686 and $1,684. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,239 to $2,257. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,634 up to $3,148. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Memphis

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Memphis. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $401 and $784. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $450 and $919. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $539 and $1,075.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 36% lower in Memphis than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 51% lower in Memphis than in Chicago.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 33% less in Memphis than in Chicago.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Memphis, where the cost of living for a single person is 50% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Memphis could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 52% less than in Chicago.
• Memphis experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Memphis and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Memphis’s population is about 77% less than Chicago.
• Memphis’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Memphis is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Memphis’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 77.49 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Memphis is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 22.51 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Tennessee doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Memphis smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Binghampton
• Cooper-Young
• Crosstown
• Downtown
• Midtown

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bartlett
• Cordova
• East Memphis
• Germantown
• River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral

Things to do in Memphis

After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it’s time to see what Memphis is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Memphis offers cultural landmarks like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.