($647+) Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Augusta, GA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $628 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,206 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 861 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 $2,044, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,206 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,140 - $3,939, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $628 - $1,610.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Augusta, GA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,568 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 Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Augusta to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,568 - $6,222 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 861-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 861-mile route from Augusta to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,044 for a studio up to $8,206 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,140 - $3,939 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $628 - $1,610, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,006 - $3,182, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
For the 861-mile move from Augusta, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,044 and $8,206. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $271 - $1,808 (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 Augusta generally start around $365 plus $95 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Augusta to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,044 - $4,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,568 - $6,222
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,371 - $8,206
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 Augusta to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Georgia to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Augusta movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $452 - $4,520 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $181 - $1,085/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,170 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $904 - $2,712 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,260 - $9,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $677 - $1,286 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers of Augusta Inc. | $904 - $2,260 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers of Augusta Inc. | $723 - $3,164 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling50% of local movers | $271 - $1,356 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect33% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers of Augusta Inc. | $588 - $1,808 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,560+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,164+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Augusta to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Augusta, GA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Augusta, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,140 and $3,939. 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 Augusta runs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Augusta to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,140 - $2,212
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $3,040
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,990 - $3,939
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $633 in Augusta, GA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $136 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Georgia 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 $1,140. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,480 - $3,040, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Augusta 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 Augusta 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 Augusta:
- Budget Movers of Augusta Inc. (4.3/5), 21 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 861-mile move from Augusta, Georgia, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $628 and $1,610. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $248 - $283
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Augusta daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $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 Augusta to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $628 - $1,116
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $632 - $1,395
- 4+ bedrooms: $858 - $1,610
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $628 - $1,610 does not include fuel ($248 - $283) , lodging ($136/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Augusta to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $136 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 $59 and $294 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $248 - $283 in fuel for the 861-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $633 in Augusta, Georgia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Augusta 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 Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Augusta, Georgia, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,232 and $2,222.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Augusta to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,006 - $1,801
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,232 - $2,222
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,182
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $68 - $136 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 Augusta, Georgia, typically costs $633.
What are the best freight companies from Augusta to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Marko Petroleum (4.12/5 stars): Marko Petroleum is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Augusta, GA 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 Augusta on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Augusta, GA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 80 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $161,772 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $53,134/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 22/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 51.54/100 | 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 Augusta, GA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Georgia to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 89 movers licensed in Georgia, useful context for sizing up this 861-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 861-mile route from Augusta, GA, to Chicago, IL, run $2,044 - $8,206 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,140 - $3,939, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $628 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,568, 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 Augusta, GA, 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 ($248 - $283), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $136/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Augusta, GA 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 $632 - $1,395. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Augusta, GA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $2,044 to $8,206, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,044 and $8,206, 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 3 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 Augusta?
Local movers based in Augusta typically start around $365 as a base rate, plus $95/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 Augusta movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Augusta handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
