Top local movers for Chicago to Jacksonville moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to Jacksonville can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 68 local movers in Chicago who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Jacksonville.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Jacksonville?
Movers in Illinois generally charge an average of $113 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,089 – $4,373 | $816 – $2,094 | $686 – $1,341 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,559 – $5,523 | $1,507 – $2,917 | $740 – $1,502 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,113 – $7,988 | $2,077 – $3,806 | $931 – $1,847 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Jacksonville
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Jacksonville typically costs between $1,089 and $4,373. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,559 and $5,523 when moving from Chicago to Jacksonville. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Jacksonville, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,113 up to $7,988.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Jacksonville
If you’re relocating from Chicago to Jacksonville, you’ll typically spend between $816 and $2,094 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,507 up to $2,917. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,077 and $3,806. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Jacksonville
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Jacksonville move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $686 and $1,341. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $740 to $1,502. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $931 and $1,847.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Chicago to Jacksonville
The cost of Chicago movers 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 $2,244, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,928.
- 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 $686 to $1,758 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
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, 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 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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