Chicago, IL to New York City, NY Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to New York City typically costs $2,600–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 790 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to New York City
Moving from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY typically costs $2,600–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 790-mile move from Chicago to New York City, 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
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,471 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,892 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,193 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 07, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to New York City
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,900, 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–$1,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from New York City, NY to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to New York City movers by type
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Container
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to New York City
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to New York City, 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→NY 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 New York City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - New York City runs about 56% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $5,683 in New York City versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $15,081 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $3,992 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $8,817 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $752,778 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $78,058 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $5,683 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $15,081 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 11.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
- As you consider relocating to New York City, note that rent can be roughly 112% more expensive than it is in Chicago; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 155% higher in New York City than in Chicago.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 9% higher in New York City compared to Chicago, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in New York City, since the cost of living for a single person is 56% more than in Chicago. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to New York City, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in New York City is 63% more than it is in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in New York City is 24% higher compared to Chicago, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 22% lower in New York City than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in New York City can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 120% higher in New York 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 New York City:
| Living Expense | Chicago | New York City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $186.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $57.90 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $6.33 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $5.04 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $28.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $159.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in New York City.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in New York City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in New York City.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in New York City.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Chicago than in New York City.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chicago than in New York City.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Chicago than in New York City.
How life is different in Chicago vs. New York City
| Chicago | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 8,258,035 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 69 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 50.83 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 49.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- New York City's population is about 201% greater than Chicago.
- New York City's public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Chicago's score of 9.
- New York City is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Both New York City and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 69), meaning New York City is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- New York City's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 50.83 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- New York City is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.17 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in New York City is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to New York City 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New York 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 New York City smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in New York City
Now that you've chosen The Big Apple as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in New York City to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Astoria, Queens
- Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Murray Hill, Manhattan
- Upper East Side, Manhattan
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Best neighborhoods for families
- Battery Park City, Manhattan
- Forest Hills, Queens
- Great Kills, Staten Island
- Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Riverdale, Bronx
Things to do in New York City
After getting comfortable in your new New York home, it's time to see what New York City 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, New York City offers cultural landmarks like the The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Met Cloisters, and New York Public Library.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, and Washington Square 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 Brooklyn Nets (NBA)Long Island Nets (NBA G League)New York City FC (MLS)New York Giants (NFL)New York Islanders (NHL)New York Jets (NFL)New York Knicks (NBA)New York Liberty (WNBA)New York Mets (MLB)New York Rangers (NHL)New York Red Bulls (MLS)New York Yankees (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to New York City?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to New York City 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 New York City?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to New York City 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 New York City take?
A move of 790 miles from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in New York City 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.
