($880+) Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Albuquerque, NM, runs anywhere from $862 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,179 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,337 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,173, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,179 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,434 - $4,912, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $862 - $2,511.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Albuquerque, NM. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,854 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 Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
Moving options from Chicago to Albuquerque fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,854 - $6,599 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,337 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,337-mile route from Chicago to Albuquerque, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,173 - $4,978 | $1,434 - $2,572 | $862 - $1,714 | $1,217 - $2,314 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,854 - $6,599 | $1,674 - $3,410 | $914 - $2,000 | $1,382 - $2,729 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,649 - $9,179 | $2,487 - $4,912 | $1,208 - $2,511 | $1,970 - $3,930 |
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 Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
Full-service movers for the 1,337-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, cost between $2,173 and $9,179. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $301 - $2,008, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,173 - $4,978
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,854 - $6,599
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,649 - $9,179
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 Chicago to Albuquerque.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to New Mexico. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Albuquerque, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $502 - $5,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $201 - $1,205/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $301 - $2,410 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,004 - $3,012 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,510 - $10,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $752 - $1,429 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,004 - $2,510 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $803 - $3,514 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $301 - $1,506 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $653 - $2,008 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $301 - $15,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $301 - $3,514+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Albuquerque?
Movers licensed to operate in New Mexico are typically members of the New Mexico Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, cost between $1,434 and $4,912. 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 Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,434 - $2,572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,674 - $3,410
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,487 - $4,912
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Albuquerque, NM. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $703 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $151 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to New Mexico 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 $1,434. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,674 - $3,410, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Albuquerque?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,337 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Albuquerque, New Mexico, running $862 - $2,511. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $427 - $488
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Chicago to Albuquerque based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $862 - $1,714
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $914 - $2,000
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,511
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $862 - $2,511 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Albuquerque. Fuel alone runs ($427 - $488) , and overnight lodging ($151/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
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 $75 and $351.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $151.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $427 and $488 for the 1,337-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 $703 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Albuquerque?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,382 and $2,729.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Albuquerque:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $2,314
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,729
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,970 - $3,930
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $703.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $75 and $151 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Albuquerque?
- 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.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Albuquerque, NM
Chicago and Albuquerque land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 106 in Chicago and 92 in Albuquerque, and rent tracks closely too ($2,045/mo vs. $1,250/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (77 vs 43) and safety scores (33.87 vs 28.28) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to New Mexico, 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 103 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 1,337-mile move.
Our take
The 1,337-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Albuquerque, NM, costs between $2,173 and $9,179 with full-service movers, $1,434 - $4,912 with a moving container, and $862 - $2,511 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 $2,854 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include SunBridge Healthcare and Khi.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Albuquerque, NM
How do I know a mover is licensed in New Mexico?
Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
Is Albuquerque a safe place to live?
Albuquerque has a safety index of 28.28 out of 100 and a crime index of 71.72, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM?
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 $914 - $2,000. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
