Highly rated local moving companies for Miami to Chicago moves
Organizing a move from Miami to Chicago can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 45 local movers in Miami known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Miami to Chicago.
- Pro Movers Miami: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Moving Apt Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Dixie Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2721
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2855891
Alternate Names: ProMovers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2247863
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2247863
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: IM 2609
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3080327
Alternate Names: Dixie Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2301
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Miami to Chicago?
On average, moving companies in Florida charge about $172 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,045 – $4,119 | $993 – $2,203 | $879 – $1,587 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,561 – $5,660 | $1,673 – $3,243 | $942 – $1,868 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,423 – $7,930 | $2,272 – $4,771 | $1,140 – $2,281 |
Cost to hire movers from Miami to Chicago
When planning a move to Chicago from Miami, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,045 and $4,119. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,561 and $5,660 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,423 to $7,930.
Cost of moving containers from Miami to Chicago
When you’re heading from Miami to Chicago, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $993 and $2,203. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,673 and $3,243. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,272 to $4,771. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Florida easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Miami to Chicago
A moving rental truck from Miami to Chicago is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $879 to $1,587. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $942 to $1,868, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Miami to Chicago costs around $1,140 to $2,281.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Miami to Chicago
The cost of Miami movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Miami to Chicago may only cost $2,140, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,959.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Miami.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($879–$2,128), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Miami to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 18% higher for singles and 24% higher for families than Miami.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Miami versus $3,103 in Miami; families pay $9,266 compared with $7,450.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Miami | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,885 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $579,925 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,858 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,103 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,450 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 32% less expensive in Chicago than in Miami, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 49% cheaper in Chicago than in Miami.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 30% greater in Chicago than in Miami, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 18% more than in Miami. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 24% higher than in Miami.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Miami by about 8%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Miami by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Miami versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Miami | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.61 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $67.33 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.89 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.89 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $110.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.40 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Miami than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Miami than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Miami than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Miami than in Chicago.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Miami than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Miami than in Chicago.
How life is different in Miami vs. Chicago
| Miami | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 442,241 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 72 |
| Crime index | 52.54 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 47.46 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 521% greater than Miami.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Miami’s score of 8.
- Chicago and Miami are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Miami, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Miami with a score of 35.19 compared to Miami’s 52.54. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Miami with a score of 33.87 vs Miami’s 47.46.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Miami it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Miami to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Costs across Miami and Chicago are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Illinois, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, 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 Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — 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 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 Miami to Chicago?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Miami to Chicago. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Miami.
When is the cheapest time to move from Miami to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Miami to Chicago? 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 Miami to Chicago take?
The 1,381-mile move from Miami, FL, to Chicago, , takes three to eight days. Some Miami movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Miami movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 4 movers offer special pricing for military members. 4 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 Miami?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 37 movers in Miami provide piano moving services. 29 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Miami moving services
Popular Florida routes
- Florida to Illinois car shippers
- Florida to California movers
- Florida to Georgia movers
- Florida to Illinois movers
- Florida to Michigan movers
- Florida to New York movers
- Florida to North Carolina movers
- Florida to Ohio movers
- Florida to Pennsylvania movers
- Florida to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!