($512+) Chicago, IL to Greenville, SC Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Greenville, SC, runs anywhere from $512 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,128 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 706 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 $1,493, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,128 or more.
- Moving containers run $981 - $3,406, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $512 - $1,424.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Greenville, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,209 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 Greenville, SC
Moving options from Chicago to Greenville fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,209 - $5,415 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 76% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 706-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 706-mile route from Chicago to Greenville, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,493 - $3,847, container $981 - $1,911, rental truck $512 - $971, freight trailer $902 - $1,619.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,209 - $5,415, container $1,325 - $2,596, rental truck $531 - $1,164, freight trailer $1,050 - $2,076.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,617 - $7,128, container $1,757 - $3,406, rental truck $712 - $1,424, freight trailer $1,392 - $2,537.
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 Greenville, SC
Full-service movers for the 706-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Greenville, South Carolina, cost between $1,493 and $7,128. 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 $300 - $2,000, 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 Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,493 - $3,847
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,209 - $5,415
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,617 - $7,128
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 Greenville.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Greenville, SC
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Greenville, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| 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 | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Greenville?
All three below meet the standards set by the South Carolina Trucking Association, the group most South Carolina movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Greenville, SC
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Greenville, South Carolina, cost between $981 and $3,406. 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 Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $981 - $1,911
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,325 - $2,596
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $3,406
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $700 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $150 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Greenville, SC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to South Carolina 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 $981. 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 $1,325 - $2,596.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Greenville?
- 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 Greenville, SC
A rental truck for this 706-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Greenville, South Carolina, costs between $512 and $1,424. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $225 - $257
- 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 Greenville based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $512 - $971
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $531 - $1,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $712 - $1,424
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Greenville starts at $512 - $1,424, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($225 - $257), overnight lodging ($150/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $150 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $700 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 706-mile drive falls between $225 and $257, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $50 and $300 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Greenville?
- 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 Greenville, SC
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 Greenville, South Carolina.
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 $1,050 and $2,076.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Greenville:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $902 - $1,619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,076
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,537
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 $75 and $150.
- 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 $700.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Greenville?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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 Greenville 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 Greenville, SC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Greenville, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,551/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $455,774 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $68,460/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 2.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 7.0% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 61.44/100 |
| 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 Greenville, SC to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to South Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 706-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 706-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Greenville, SC, run $1,493 - $7,128 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $981 - $3,406, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $512 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,209, 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 Michelin and Perrigo.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Greenville, SC
Is Greenville a safe place to live?
Greenville has a safety index of 61.44 out of 100 and a crime index of 38.56, 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 Greenville, SC?
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. South Carolina also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($225 - $257), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/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.