($635+) Plano, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Plano, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $635 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,831 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 907 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 $1,831, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,831 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,119 - $3,511, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $635 - $1,669.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Plano, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,518 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 Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Plano to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,518 - $5,656. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 907-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 907-mile route from Plano to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,831 - $4,765 with full-service movers, $1,119 - $1,969 with a container, $635 - $1,145 with a rental truck, or $997 - $1,864 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,518 - $5,656 full-service, $1,495 - $2,764 by container, $647 - $1,292 by rental truck, or $1,174 - $2,278 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,004 - $7,831 full-service, $1,916 - $3,511 by container, $812 - $1,669 by rental truck, or $1,611 - $2,957 by freight.
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 Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
For the 907-mile move from Plano, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,831 and $7,831. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $329 - $2,192 (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 Plano generally start around $181 plus $92 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Plano to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,831 - $4,765
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,518 - $5,656
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,004 - $7,831
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 Plano to Chicago.
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 Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Plano 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 packing75% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $219 - $1,315/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $329 - $2,630 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $1,096 - $3,288 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,740 - $10,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $821 - $1,560 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $1,096 - $2,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $877 - $3,836 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $329 - $1,644 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $712 - $2,192 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $329 - $16,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $329 - $3,836+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Plano 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Plano, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Plano, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,119 and $3,511. 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 Plano typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Plano to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,119 - $1,969
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,511
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $82 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $164 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 $767 in Plano, TX, 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 Texas 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 $1,119. 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 $1,495 - $2,764.
What are the best moving containers Plano 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 Plano 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 Plano:
- AB Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Fantastic Moves (4.6/5), 31 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
Plan on $635 - $1,669 for a rental moving truck on the 907-mile route from Plano, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $316 - $361
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Plano daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Plano to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $635 - $1,145
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $647 - $1,292
- 4+ bedrooms: $812 - $1,669
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Plano to Chicago starts at $635 - $1,669, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($316 - $361), overnight lodging ($164/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $82 and $384.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $164.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $316 and $361 for the 907-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 $767 for 2 movers in Plano, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Plano 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 Plano, TX to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Plano, Texas, 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 Chicago, Illinois.
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 $1,174 and $2,278.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Plano to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $997 - $1,864
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,174 - $2,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $2,957
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $82 - $164 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Plano, Texas, for about five hours typically runs $767.
What are the best freight companies from Plano to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Plano, TX vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Plano and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 106. Average rent: $2,100/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 41 vs. 77. Safety index: 76.98 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Plano, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Illinois, 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. Texas alone has 843 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 907-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 907-mile move from Plano, TX, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,831 and $7,831 with full-service movers, $1,119 - $3,511 with a moving container, and $635 - $1,669 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,518 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Plano, TX, to Chicago, IL
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 Plano, TX to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $635 to $7,831, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,831 and $7,831, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Plano, TX to Chicago, IL?
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 $647 - $1,292. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($316 - $361), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $164/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Plano, TX to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Plano movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Plano handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.