Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Jacksonville typically costs $2,900–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,061 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Jacksonville
Moving from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL typically costs $2,900–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,061-mile move from Chicago to Jacksonville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,174 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,954 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $722 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 01, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Jacksonville
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Chicago to Jacksonville might be as low as $2,400, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,800.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Chicago.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $800 to $2,100 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Jacksonville movers by type
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Jacksonville
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Chicago to Jacksonville, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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→FL movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 100 Illinois movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Jacksonville
Many movers find Jacksonville easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 26% less for singles and 29% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,696 for one person in Jacksonville versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $6,605 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,596 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,680 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $287,628 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,138 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,696 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,605 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Good news! When moving to Jacksonville from Chicago, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 26% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- The home prices in Jacksonville and Chicago differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Jacksonville than in Chicago.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Jacksonville. The cost of living for a single person is 26% less compared to Chicago.
- Relocating to Jacksonville could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 29% lower than in Chicago.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 46% lower than Chicago, Jacksonville boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 27% lower in Jacksonville than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Florida 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Chicago and Jacksonville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $188.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $42.92 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $86.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $38.68 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
- Eggs are priced about the same in both cities.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Jacksonville.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Jacksonville
| Chicago | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 971,319 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 41 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 56.38 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 43.62 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Jacksonville's population is about 65% less than Chicago.
- Jacksonville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Jacksonville is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Jacksonville 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.
- Jacksonville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 56.38 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Jacksonville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 43.62 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Jacksonville move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Florida moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Florida, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Jacksonville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Jacksonville
Ready to relocate to Jax? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Jacksonville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Brooklyn
- Baymeadows
- Secret Cove
- South Riverside
- Windy Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beacon Hills & Harbour
- Deercreek
- Oceanway
- Orange Park
- Ortega Forest
- Sandalwood
Things to do in Jacksonville
Now that you've made the move to Florida, it's the perfect time to explore Jacksonville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Jacksonville include museums and art centers like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Jacksonville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Jacksonville. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Jacksonville?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Jacksonville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Jacksonville take?
Covering 1,061 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL typically takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Jacksonville can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Chicago offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Chicago can handle specialty items for my move to Jacksonville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Chicago, 54 movers can handle pianos. 40 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
