($1,027+) Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,059 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,662 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,748 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,344, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,662 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,547 - $5,589, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,059 - $2,935.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,275 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

There are 3 main ways to move from Tucson 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 $3,275 - $7,140. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,748-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 1,748-mile route from Tucson to Chicago, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,344 - $5,430, container $1,547 - $3,035, rental truck $1,059 - $1,975, freight trailer $1,406 - $2,495.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,275 - $7,140, container $2,079 - $4,002, rental truck $1,180 - $2,546, freight trailer $1,615 - $3,234.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,090 - $10,662, container $2,702 - $5,589, rental truck $1,415 - $2,935, freight trailer $2,117 - $4,560.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

For the 1,748-mile move from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,344 and $10,662. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $302 - $2,012 (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 Tucson generally start around $160 plus $85 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tucson to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,344 - $5,430
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,275 - $7,140
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,090 - $10,662

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 Tucson to Chicago.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona 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 Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 92% of Tucson 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$503 - $5,030
Storage in transitNew place not ready92% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$201 - $1,207/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$302 - $2,414
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage23% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers$1,006 - $3,018
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,515 - $10,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$753 - $1,432
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$1,006 - $2,515
PianoAny piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$805 - $3,521
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling31% of local movers$302 - $1,509
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.$654 - $2,012
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$302 - $15,090+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$302 - $3,521+

What are the best full-service movers from Tucson to Chicago?

Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tucson, AZ, 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 Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,547 and $5,589. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tucson costs roughly $90/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tucson to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,547 - $3,035
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,079 - $4,002
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,702 - $5,589

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tucson, AZ and Chicago, IL. 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 $704 in Tucson, AZ, 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 Arizona 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 $1,547. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,079 - $4,002, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Tucson to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tucson 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 Tucson:

  • Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 37 years in business
  • Abba & Sons Moving LLC (4.7/5), 17 years in business
  • E-Z Move (4.4/5), 26 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

Truck rentals from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $1,059 - $2,935 for the 1,748-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $560 - $639
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Tucson daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tucson to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,059 - $1,975
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,180 - $2,546
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,415 - $2,935

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,059 - $2,935 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tucson to Chicago. Fuel ($560 - $639) , lodging at around $151/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $151 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 $65 and $327 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $560 - $639 in fuel for the 1,748-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $704 in Tucson, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Tucson to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL

If you're moving a larger household from Tucson, Arizona, 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 Chicago, Illinois.

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 $1,615 and $3,234.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tucson to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,406 - $2,495
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,615 - $3,234
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,117 - $4,560

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 Tucson, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $704.
  • 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 Tucson to Chicago?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Cti, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Cti, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tucson to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Tucson, AZ vs Chicago, IL

There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Tucson and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 97 vs. 106. Average rent: $1,295/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 43 vs. 77. Safety index: 45.57 vs. 33.87.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,748-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,344 - $10,662 on the 1,748-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,547 - $5,589, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,059 - $2,935. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,275 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL

How walkable is Chicago?

Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 43 and 66 in Tucson. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?

For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?

In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.

What do local movers charge in Tucson?

Local movers based in Tucson typically start around $160 as a base rate, plus $85/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 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 percentage of Tucson movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 77% of movers in Tucson handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.