($622+) Chicago, IL to Providence, RI Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Providence, RI, runs anywhere from $622 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,457 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 977 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,018, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,457 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,140 - $3,639, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $622 - $1,707.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Providence, RI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,491 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI
Moving options from Chicago to Providence fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,491 - $5,599 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 72% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 977 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 977-mile route from Chicago to Providence, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,018 - $4,460 with full-service movers, $1,140 - $1,991 with a container, $622 - $1,278 with a rental truck, or $974 - $1,830 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,491 - $5,599 full-service, $1,496 - $2,855 by container, $687 - $1,461 by rental truck, or $1,173 - $2,447 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,828 - $7,457 full-service, $2,075 - $3,639 by container, $852 - $1,707 by rental truck, or $1,534 - $2,910 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Providence, Rhode Island, costs between $2,018 and $7,457. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 977-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $322 - $2,144, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Providence. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,018 - $4,460
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,491 - $5,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,828 - $7,457
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 Providence.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Providence, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $536 - $5,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $214 - $1,286/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $322 - $2,573 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,072 - $3,216 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,680 - $10,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $803 - $1,525 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,072 - $2,680 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $858 - $3,752 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $322 - $1,608 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $697 - $2,144 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $322 - $16,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $322 - $3,752+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Providence, Rhode Island, cost between $1,140 and $3,639. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $1,991
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,496 - $2,855
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,075 - $3,639
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $80 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $161 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 $750 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 Providence, RI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Rhode Island 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 $1,140. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,496 - $2,855.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Providence?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI
A rental truck for this 977-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Providence, Rhode Island, costs between $622 and $1,707. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $333 - $381
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $21
- 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 Providence based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $622 - $1,278
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $687 - $1,461
- 4+ bedrooms: $852 - $1,707
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Providence looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $622 - $1,707. But once you factor in fuel ($333 - $381), overnight lodging ($161/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $333 - $381 for the 977-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 $750.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 977-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $161 per night, adding $322 - $482 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $322.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Providence?
- 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 Providence, RI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Providence, Rhode Island. 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 $965 and $2,447.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Providence:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $974 - $1,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,534 - $2,910
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $80 and $161.
- 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 $750.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Providence?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Providence fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Providence, RI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Providence to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 109. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $2,200/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 76. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 50.16.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Providence, RI to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to Rhode Island, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 314 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 977-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 977-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Providence, RI, run $2,018 - $7,457 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,140 - $3,639, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $622 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,491, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Textron and United Natural Foods.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Providence, RI
Is Providence a safe place to live?
Providence has a safety index of 50.16 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.84, 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Providence, RI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($333 - $381), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $161/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.