($878+) Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Laredo, TX, runs anywhere from $878 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,404 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,355 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 $2,100, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,404 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,341 - $4,554, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $878 - $2,435.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Laredo, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,637 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 Laredo, TX
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Laredo: 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 $2,637 - $6,143. Containers cost roughly 32% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 64% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,355 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,355-mile route from Chicago to Laredo, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,100 - $4,956 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,341 - $2,428), rental truck ($878 - $1,598), or freight trailer ($1,160 - $2,319). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,637 - $6,143 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,404.
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 Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX
For the 1,355-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Laredo, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,100 and $8,404. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $289 - $1,928 (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 Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,100 - $4,956
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,637 - $6,143
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,678 - $8,404
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 Laredo.
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 Laredo, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City 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 Chicago to Laredo?
Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Laredo, Texas, cost between $1,341 and $4,554. 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 Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,341 - $2,428
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,781 - $3,287
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,554
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 $675 in Chicago, IL. 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 $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $145 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 Laredo, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Texas 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 $1,341. 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 $1,781 - $3,287.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Laredo?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX
Plan on $878 - $2,435 for a rental moving truck on the 1,355-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Laredo, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $416 - $475
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Laredo based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $878 - $1,598
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $939 - $1,938
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,102 - $2,435
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Laredo starts at $878 - $2,435, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($416 - $475), overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $675.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $416 - $475 for the 1,355-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 1,355-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $289 - $434.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Laredo?
- 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 Laredo, TX
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, 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 Laredo, Texas.
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 $1,302 and $2,821.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Laredo:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,160 - $2,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,302 - $2,821
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,934 - $3,789
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chicago, Illinois, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $675.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $72 - $145 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Laredo?
- 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 Chicago to Laredo, 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: Chicago, IL vs Laredo, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Laredo, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Laredo, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 82 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,241/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $181,479 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $63,264/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | None |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 63.77/100 |
| 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 295 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,355-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Laredo, TX, 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 $2,100 - $8,404 on the 1,355-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,341 - $4,554, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $878 - $2,435. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,637 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 Laredo tend to point to delicious Mexican food and culture rich, though limited recreational opportunities and hot summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include United independent school District and Laredo independent school District.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Laredo, TX
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX?
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 $939 - $1,938. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Laredo, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $878 to $8,404, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,100 and $8,404, 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 Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Laredo run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.