Austin, TX to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Austin to Chicago typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,121 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Austin to Chicago
Moving from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL typically costs $3,000–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,121-mile move from Austin to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,614 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $829 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,106 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 07, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Austin to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Austin to Chicago may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,000.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Austin.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX guide.
Best Austin to Chicago movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Austin to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Austin to Chicago. 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 TX→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 291 Texas 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 Austin to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 9% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $9,266 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 16% more expensive in Chicago than in Austin. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 42% cheaper in Chicago than in Austin.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Chicago and Austin are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in Austin. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 19% higher than in Austin.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Austin by about 157%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Austin by 24%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Austin versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Chicago.
How life is different in Austin vs. Chicago
| Austin | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 72 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 182% greater than Austin.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Austin's score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Austin with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Austin's 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Austin with a score of 35.19 compared to Austin's 42.91. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 33.87 vs Austin's 59.87.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Austin it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Chicago 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 Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, 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 Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, 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 Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Austin to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Austin to Chicago? 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 Austin to Chicago take?
The 1,121-mile move from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL, takes two to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Austin movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 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 Austin?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 18 movers in Austin provide piano moving services. 13 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
