($588+) McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from McKinney, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $588 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,063 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 893 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 $1,789, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,063 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,118 - $3,542, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $588 - $1,682.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from McKinney, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,471 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 McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving options from McKinney to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,471 - $5,735 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 75% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 893 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 893-mile route from McKinney to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,789 - $4,350 | $1,118 - $2,009 | $588 - $1,165 | $1,007 - $1,807 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,471 - $5,735 | $1,452 - $2,900 | $614 - $1,371 | $1,162 - $2,276 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,944 - $8,063 | $1,878 - $3,542 | $771 - $1,682 | $1,593 - $2,834 |
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 McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
For the 893-mile move from McKinney, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,789 and $8,063. 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 McKinney generally start around $282 plus $89 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from McKinney to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,789 - $4,350
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,471 - $5,735
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,944 - $8,063
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 McKinney to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 59% of McKinney 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 packing77% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready59% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Firehouse Movers Inc. | $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 lbs65% 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 items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $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 disconnect8% 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 McKinney to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in McKinney, TX, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from McKinney, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,118 and $3,542. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in McKinney runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from McKinney to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,009
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,452 - $2,900
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,878 - $3,542
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In McKinney, TX, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $767, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $82 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $164 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both McKinney, TX, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,118. 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 $1,452 - $2,900.
What are the best moving containers McKinney 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 McKinney 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 McKinney:
- 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 McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 893-mile move from McKinney, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $588 and $1,682, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $311 - $356
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- McKinney daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 McKinney to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $588 - $1,165
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $614 - $1,371
- 4+ bedrooms: $771 - $1,682
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $588 - $1,682 when pricing out a rental truck from McKinney to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $311 - $356, and overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $311 - $356 for the 893-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in McKinney, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $767.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 893-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $164 per night, adding $329 - $493 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $329.
What are the best moving truck rentals from McKinney 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 McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from McKinney, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,162 and $2,276.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from McKinney to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,007 - $1,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,162 - $2,276
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $2,834
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $82 - $164 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in McKinney, Texas, typically costs $767.
What are the best freight companies from McKinney to Chicago?
- 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.
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: McKinney, TX vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between McKinney and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 106. Average rent: $2,300/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 27 vs. 77. Safety index: 78.52 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to McKinney, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 843 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 893-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 893-mile route from McKinney, TX, to Chicago, IL, run $1,789 - $8,063 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,118 - $3,542, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $588 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,471, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 McKinney, TX, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($311 - $356), 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.
What is the cheapest way to move from McKinney, 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 $614 - $1,371. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from McKinney, TX to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $588 to $8,063, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,789 and $8,063, 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 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.
What do local movers charge in McKinney?
Local movers based in McKinney typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $89/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 percentage of McKinney movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in McKinney handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.