($848+) Chicago, IL to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $832 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,765 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,252 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,069, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,765 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,386 - $4,535, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $832 - $2,371.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,733 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Moving options from Chicago to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,733 - $6,690 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,252 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,252-mile route from Chicago to Billings, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,069 - $4,895 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,386 - $2,502), rental truck ($832 - $1,587), or freight trailer ($1,187 - $2,229). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,733 - $6,690 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,765.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,252-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana, with costs ranging from $2,069 - $8,765. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $305 - $2,032. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Billings. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,069 - $4,895
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,733 - $6,690
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,489 - $8,765
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 Billings.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Billings, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Billings?
- 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 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 Billings, MT
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,386 and $4,535. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,386 - $2,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,752 - $3,280
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,421 - $4,535
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 $711 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 $76 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $152 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 Billings, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,386. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,752 - $3,280, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Billings?
- 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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,252 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana, running $832 - $2,371. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $405 - $463
- 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 Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $832 - $1,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $916 - $1,832
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,108 - $2,371
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $832 - $2,371 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Billings. Fuel alone runs ($405 - $463) , and overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 $76 and $356.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $152.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $405 and $463 for the 1,252-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 $711 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 Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Billings, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,415 and $2,846.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $2,229
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,415 - $2,846
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,862 - $3,811
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 $711.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Billings?
- 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.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Billings. 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 Billings, MT
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Billings to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 95. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,300/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 35. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 50.37.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quotes from Illinois to Montana, 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 103 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 1,252-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,252-mile route from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT, run $2,069 - $8,765 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,386 - $4,535, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $832 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,733, 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 Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT?
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 $916 - $1,832. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Billings a safe place to live?
Billings has a safety index of 50.37 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.63, 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 3 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 Billings, MT?
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 Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.