Chicago, IL to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Austin typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,120 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Austin
Moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX typically costs $2,800–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,120-mile move from Chicago to Austin, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,703 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,776 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $763 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
2 Bedrooms
Mar 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 22, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 17, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Austin
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Austin may only cost $2,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Austin movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Austin
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Austin. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→TX movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Austin
Many movers find Austin easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 8% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,345 for one person in Austin versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $7,815 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 14% less expensive in Austin than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 72% steeper in Austin compared to Chicago.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Austin and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Austin. The cost of living for a single person there is 8% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Austin can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 16% lower compared to Chicago.
- Austin has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 61%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 20% cheaper in Austin compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Texas 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Austin:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Austin.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Austin.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Austin.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Austin.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Austin.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Austin
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 54 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 65% less than Chicago.
- Austin's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Austin is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.91 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 59.87 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Austin move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Austin. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Austin
With your sights set on ATX, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Austin. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Austin?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Austin. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Austin?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Austin? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Austin take?
The 1,120-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
