Chicago, IL to Jersey City, NJ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Jersey City typically costs $2,400–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 788 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Jersey City
Moving from Chicago, IL to Jersey City, NJ typically costs $2,400–$6,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 788-mile move from Chicago to Jersey City, 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
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,285 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,745 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,241 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Jersey City
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Jersey City may only cost $1,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,200.
- 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 ($600–$1,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Jersey City 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 Jersey City
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Jersey City. 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→NJ 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 Jersey City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jersey City runs about 21% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $4,397 in Jersey City versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $9,861 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $3,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $5,833 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $589,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $75,265 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $4,397 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $9,861 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 8.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.7% |
- Rent is about 45% more expensive in Jersey City than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 99% steeper in Jersey City compared to Chicago.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Jersey City and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Jersey City, with the cost of living for a single person being 21% more than in Chicago. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Jersey City, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 6% higher than in Chicago.
- Jersey City has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 8%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 35% cheaper in Jersey City compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 116% more in New Jersey than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Jersey City:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $118.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $80.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chicago than in Jersey City.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Jersey City
| Chicago | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 292,449 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 87 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 64 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 43.21 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 56.79 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Jersey City's population is about 89% less than Chicago.
- Jersey City's public transportation score is within about 5% of Chicago, making them very similar.
- Jersey City is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 87 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Jersey City has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Jersey City's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 43.21 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Jersey City is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 56.79 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Jersey City is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Jersey City 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 New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in New Jersey, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in New Jersey, 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 Jersey City. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Jersey City
With your sights set on J.C., these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Jersey City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Journal Square
- Mcginley Square
- The Heights
- The Waterfront
- Liberty Park
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenville
- Mcginley Square
- West Side
- Hackensack Waterfront
- Grove Street
- Downtown
Things to do in Jersey City
With your move to New Jersey complete, you can dive right into experiencing Jersey City. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Jersey City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, and Novado Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, 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 Saint Peter’s Peacocks (MAAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Jersey City?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Jersey City. 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 Jersey City?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Jersey City? 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 Jersey City take?
The 788-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Jersey City, NJ, takes two to seven 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 Jersey City.
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.
