($527+) Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA, runs anywhere from $527 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,503 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 716 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 $1,567, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,503 or more.
- Moving containers run $991 - $3,506, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $527 - $1,315.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,018 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 Atlanta, GA
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Atlanta: 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 $2,018 - $5,309. Moving containers run about 33% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 72% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 716-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 716-mile route from Chicago to Atlanta, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,567 - $4,088 | $991 - $1,911 | $527 - $923 | $874 - $1,586 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,018 - $5,309 | $1,352 - $2,596 | $574 - $1,119 | $1,102 - $1,953 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,654 - $7,503 | $1,845 - $3,506 | $651 - $1,315 | $1,462 - $2,804 |
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 Atlanta, GA
Full-service movers for the 716-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia, cost between $1,567 and $7,503. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $326 - $2,176, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Atlanta:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,567 - $4,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,018 - $5,309
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,654 - $7,503
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 Atlanta.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Georgia. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Atlanta, 58% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| 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 | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Atlanta?
Movers licensed to operate in Georgia are typically members of the Georgia Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia, cost between $991 and $3,506. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Atlanta:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,911
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,352 - $2,596
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,845 - $3,506
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $82 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $163 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Atlanta, GA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $762 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Georgia 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 $991. 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 $1,352 - $2,596.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Atlanta?
- 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 Atlanta, GA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 716 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Atlanta, Georgia, running $527 - $1,315. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $248 - $283
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Atlanta based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $527 - $923
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $574 - $1,119
- 4+ bedrooms: $651 - $1,315
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Atlanta starts at $527 - $1,315, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($248 - $283), overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $82 and $381.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $163.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $248 and $283 for the 716-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $762 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Atlanta?
- 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 Atlanta, GA
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Atlanta, Georgia.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,102 and $1,953.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Atlanta:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $874 - $1,586
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,102 - $1,953
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,804
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $762.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $163 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Atlanta?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Atlanta. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Atlanta to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 113. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,900/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 48. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 35.77.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Georgia 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 314 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 716-mile move.
Our take
The 716-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA, costs between $1,567 and $7,503 with full-service movers, $991 - $3,506 with a moving container, and $527 - $1,315 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,018 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Atlanta tend to point to ample economic opportunity and mild winters, though terrible traffic and urban sprawl come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Delta Air Lines and Emory University / Emory Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA
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.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA?
Costs on this route range from around $527 to $7,503, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,567 and $7,503, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA?
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 $574 - $1,119. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($248 - $283), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $163/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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.