($991+) Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $991 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,872 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $2,399, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,872 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,462 - $5,074, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $991 - $2,944.
- 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 $3,221 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
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 is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,221 - $6,674. Containers cost roughly 41% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,748 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- Full-service movers: $2,399 for a studio up to $9,872 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,462 - $5,074 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $991 - $2,944, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,302 - $4,310, 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 October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 1,748-mile relocation from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $2,399 and $9,872. 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 $302 - $2,012, 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 Tucson typically charge a base rate 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: $2,399 - $5,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,221 - $6,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,986 - $9,872
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.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Tucson 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 packing88% of local movers | $503 - $5,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $201 - $1,207/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $302 - $2,414 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,006 - $3,018 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,515 - $10,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $753 - $1,432 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E-Z Move | $1,006 - $2,515 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $805 - $3,521 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $302 - $1,509 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $654 - $2,012 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $302 - $15,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $302 - $3,521+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tucson to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Tucson, AZ. 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 Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,462 and $5,074. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tucson typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tucson to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,462 - $2,897
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,889 - $3,937
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,683 - $5,074
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $151 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $704 in Tucson, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,462. 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 $1,889 - $3,937.
What are the best moving containers Tucson 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 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:
- E-Z Move (4.4/5), 26 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL
Plan on $991 - $2,944 for a rental moving truck on the 1,748-mile route from Tucson, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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 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 Tucson to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,384
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,448 - $2,944
Pro tip: The base rate of $991 - $2,944 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tucson, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $704.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $560 - $639 for the 1,748-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $327, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $151 per night for hotel stops on the 1,748-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $302 - $453.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Tucson, Arizona, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,572 and $3,087.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tucson to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,302 - $2,582
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,572 - $3,087
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,083 - $4,310
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $75 - $151 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tucson, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $704.
What are the best freight companies from Tucson 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tucson to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Tucson, AZ vs Chicago, IL
Tucson and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 97 in Tucson and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,295/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 43 vs 77 and safety scores are 45.57 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 228 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 1,748-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tucson, AZ, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,399 - $9,872 on the 1,748-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,462 - $5,074 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $991 - $2,944 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,221 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 much does it cost to move from Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $991 to $9,872, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,399 and $9,872, 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 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.
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 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.
What percentage of Tucson movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tucson handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.