Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Baltimore typically costs $2,500–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 703 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Baltimore
Moving from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD typically costs $2,500–$6,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 703-mile move from Chicago to Baltimore, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,687 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,696 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- PODS recently quoted $2,376 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 31, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Baltimore
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,800, but larger homes can run up to $8,300.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Baltimore movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Baltimore
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Baltimore, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 IL→MD movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Baltimore
Many movers find Baltimore easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 39% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,223 for one person in Baltimore versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,088 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,892 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,333 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $180,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $58,349 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 22% lower in Baltimore than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 39% lower in Baltimore than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 18% less in Baltimore than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Baltimore, where the cost of living for a single person is 39% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Baltimore could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 45% less than in Chicago.
- Baltimore experiences an unemployment rate that is about 12% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 41% lower in Baltimore than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Baltimore can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 16% higher in Maryland compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Baltimore:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $181.61 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.34 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $57.63 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Baltimore.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Baltimore.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Baltimore
| Chicago | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 585,708 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 64 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 53 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 72.72 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 27.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Baltimore's population is about 79% less than Chicago.
- Baltimore's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Baltimore is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 72.72 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 27.28 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Baltimore is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Baltimore move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Maryland doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Baltimore smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Baltimore
Now that you've chosen America's Comeback Cit as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Baltimore to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
After getting comfortable in your new Maryland home, it's time to see what Baltimore is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Baltimore offers cultural landmarks like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, and B&O Railroad Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Baltimore Orioles (MLB)Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Baltimore?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Baltimore are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Baltimore?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Baltimore are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Baltimore take?
A move of 703 miles from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD generally takes one to six days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Baltimore is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
