($635+) Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Mobile, AL, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $635 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,057 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 916 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,042, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,057 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,075 - $3,733, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $635 - $1,735.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mobile, AL, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,542 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 Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Mobile to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,542 - $6,060. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 916 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 916-mile route from Mobile to Chicago, 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 $2,042 - $4,809 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,075 - $1,990), rental truck ($635 - $1,133), or freight trailer ($1,027 - $1,882). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,542 - $6,060 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,057.
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 Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
For the 916-mile move from Mobile, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,042 and $8,057. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $278 - $1,856 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Mobile generally start around $367 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mobile to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,042 - $4,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,542 - $6,060
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,995 - $8,057
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 Mobile to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Illinois. 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 Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Mobile movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing70% of local movers | $464 - $4,640 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $186 - $1,114/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $278 - $2,227 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers | $928 - $2,784 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,320 - $9,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $695 - $1,321 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $928 - $2,320 |
| Piano | Any piano type22% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $742 - $3,248 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $278 - $1,392 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $603 - $1,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $278 - $13,920+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $278 - $3,248+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Mobile to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Mobile, AL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Mobile, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,075 and $3,733. 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 Mobile typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mobile to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $1,990
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,439 - $2,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,012 - $3,733
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $70 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $139 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $650 in Mobile, AL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama to Illinois 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 $1,075. 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 $1,439 - $2,877.
What are the best moving containers Mobile to Chicago?
- 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 Mobile 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 Mobile:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 2 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
Plan on $635 - $1,735 for a rental moving truck on the 916-mile route from Mobile, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $270 - $309
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
- Mobile daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.89
| 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 Mobile to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $635 - $1,133
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $654 - $1,320
- 4+ bedrooms: $836 - $1,735
Pro tip: The base rate of $635 - $1,735 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Mobile to Chicago. Fuel ($270 - $309), lodging at around $139/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $139 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $60 and $302 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $270 - $309 in fuel for the 916-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $650 in Mobile, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mobile to Chicago?
- 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 Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Mobile, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $835 and $2,346.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mobile to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,882
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,987
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Mobile, Alabama, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $650.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $139 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Mobile to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Mobile to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Mobile, AL vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Mobile on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Mobile, AL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,300/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $168,803 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $51,090/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 32/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 35.05/100 | 33.87/100 |
| 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 Chicago, IL to Mobile, AL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 142 movers based in Alabama, handy for sizing up options on this 916-mile route.
Our take
A move from Mobile, AL, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,042 - $8,057 on the 916-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,075 - $3,733, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $635 - $1,735. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,542 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Mobile, AL, to Chicago, IL
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
What do local movers charge in Mobile?
Local movers based in Mobile typically start around $367 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 Mobile, AL to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $635 to $8,057, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,042 and $8,057, 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 percentage of Mobile movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 22% of movers in Mobile handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.