($449+) Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $449 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,430 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 602 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,473, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,430 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,010 - $3,065, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $449 - $1,202.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,070 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 Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga 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 $2,070 - $5,364. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 602 miles, expect 1 to 6 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 602-mile route from Chattanooga to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,473 - $4,286, container $1,010 - $1,732, rental truck $449 - $864, freight trailer $891 - $1,559.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,070 - $5,364, container $1,244 - $2,444, rental truck $480 - $1,046, freight trailer $1,015 - $2,015.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,716 - $8,430, container $1,610 - $3,065, rental truck $618 - $1,202, freight trailer $1,382 - $2,655.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,473 and $8,430. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 602-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $289 - $1,928, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chattanooga and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chattanooga tend to start around $280 plus $99/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,473 - $4,286
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,070 - $5,364
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,716 - $8,430
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 Chattanooga to Chicago.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Chattanooga 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 packing77% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% of local movers | $964 - $2,892 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,410 - $9,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $722 - $1,372 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type23% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $627 - $1,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,374+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chattanooga, TN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,010 and $3,065. 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 Chattanooga runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,010 - $1,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,444
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,065
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $72 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $145 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 $675 in Chattanooga, TN, 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 Tennessee 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 $1,010. 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 $1,244 - $2,444.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 602 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, running $449 - $1,202. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $211
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| 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 Chattanooga to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $449 - $864
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $480 - $1,046
- 4+ bedrooms: $618 - $1,202
Pro tip: The base rate of $449 - $1,202 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chattanooga to Chicago. Fuel ($185 - $211), lodging at around $145/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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $675.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $185 - $211 for the 602-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 $58 and $313, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $145 per night for hotel stops on the 602-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $289 - $434.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $868 and $2,015.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $891 - $1,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,015 - $2,015
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,655
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $675.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $72 and $145 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
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: Chattanooga, TN 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 Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 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 Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee 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 213 movers licensed in Tennessee, useful context for sizing up this 602-mile move.
Our take
The 602-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,473 and $8,430 with full-service movers, $1,010 - $3,065 with a moving container, and $449 - $1,202 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 $2,070 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL
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 is the best time of year to move from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL?
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 46.11 and 53.89 in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga, TN 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 $480 - $1,046. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 23% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.