($486+) Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $491 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,627 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 601 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,401, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,627 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,060 - $3,183, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $491 - $1,236.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,221 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,221 - $5,308. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 601-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 601-mile route from Chicago to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,401 - $3,999, container $1,060 - $1,911, rental truck $491 - $907, freight trailer $889 - $1,670.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,221 - $5,308, container $1,386 - $2,592, rental truck $551 - $1,023, freight trailer $1,076 - $2,095.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,678 - $7,627, container $1,778 - $3,183, rental truck $655 - $1,236, freight trailer $1,480 - $2,600.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 601-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, with costs ranging from $1,401 - $7,627. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $299 - $1,992. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Chattanooga. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,401 - $3,999
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,221 - $5,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,678 - $7,627
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Chattanooga.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chattanooga, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $498 - $4,980 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $199 - $1,195/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $299 - $2,390 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $996 - $2,988 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,490 - $9,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $746 - $1,417 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $996 - $2,490 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $797 - $3,486 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $299 - $1,494 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $647 - $1,992 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $299 - $14,940+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $299 - $3,486+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Chattanooga?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,060 and $3,183. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,060 - $1,911
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,386 - $2,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,778 - $3,183
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $149 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $697 in Chicago, IL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chattanooga, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Tennessee move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,060. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,386 - $2,592, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Chattanooga?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
Plan on $491 - $1,236 for a rental moving truck on the 601-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $190 - $218
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Chattanooga based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $491 - $907
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $551 - $1,023
- 4+ bedrooms: $655 - $1,236
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Chattanooga starts at $491 - $1,236, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($190 - $218) , overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $190 - $218 for the 601-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $697.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 601-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $149 per night, adding $299 - $448 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $50 and $299.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Chattanooga?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $896 and $2,095.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Chattanooga:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $889 - $1,670
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,076 - $2,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,480 - $2,600
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $75 and $149.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly five hours typically average $697.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Chattanooga?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chattanooga quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Chattanooga, TN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chattanooga, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 90 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,475/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $259,125 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $61,028/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | None |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 46.11/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Tennessee over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 601-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Chattanooga, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,401 - $7,627 on the 601-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,060 - $3,183 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $491 - $1,236 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,221 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Chattanooga, TN
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga?
For families, North Shore, St. Elmo, and Lookout Mountain are worth a look in Chattanooga. If you're moving solo or without kids, Southside, Martin Luther King, and Fort Wood tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $551 - $1,023. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chattanooga a safe place to live?
Chattanooga has a safety index of 46.11 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.89, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
