($832+) Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $832 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,825 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,175, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,825 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,446 - $4,532, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $832 - $2,454.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,054 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Laredo 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 $3,054 - $7,109. 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 3 to 8 days for this 1,355-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 1,355-mile route from Laredo to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,175 - $5,351 with full-service movers, $1,446 - $2,647 with a container, $832 - $1,690 with a rental truck, or $1,252 - $2,406 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,054 - $7,109 full-service, $1,723 - $3,730 by container, $965 - $1,891 by rental truck, or $1,364 - $2,754 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,049 - $9,825 full-service, $2,316 - $4,532 by container, $1,203 - $2,454 by rental truck, or $1,891 - $3,855 by freight.
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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
For the 1,355-mile move from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,175 and $9,825. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $275 - $1,832 (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 Laredo generally start around $938 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,175 - $5,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,054 - $7,109
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,049 - $9,825
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 Laredo to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Laredo 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $458 - $4,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage100% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs100% of local movers | $916 - $2,748 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,290 - $9,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $686 - $1,303 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items100% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Wee-Move Moving Company | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling100% of local movers | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $595 - $1,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,206+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Laredo 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Laredo, TX. 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,446 and $4,532. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Laredo adds around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,446 - $2,647
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,723 - $3,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,316 - $4,532
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $137 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $641 in Laredo, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,446. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,723 - $3,730, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Laredo 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 Laredo 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 Laredo:
- Wee-Move Moving Company (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $832 - $2,454 for the 1,355-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $395 - $451
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Laredo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 Laredo to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $832 - $1,690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $965 - $1,891
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,203 - $2,454
Pro tip: A rental truck from Laredo to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $832 - $2,454. But once you factor in fuel ($395 - $451) , overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $395 - $451 for the 1,355-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Laredo, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $641.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,355-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $137 per night, adding $275 - $412 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $275.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Laredo 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Laredo, Texas, 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 $824 and $2,754.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,252 - $2,406
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,364 - $2,754
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,891 - $3,855
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $69 and $137.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Laredo, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $641.
What are the best freight companies from Laredo to Chicago?
- 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.
- 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.
- Alpha Carriers, Inc. (4.42/5 stars): Alpha Carriers, 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 Laredo 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: Laredo, TX 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 Laredo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Laredo, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 82 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,241/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $181,479 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $63,264/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 63.77/100 | 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 Laredo, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 289 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,355-mile route.
Our take
The 1,355-mile move from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,175 and $9,825 with full-service movers, $1,446 - $4,532 with a moving container, and $832 - $2,454 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 $3,054 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 Laredo, TX, 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 37 and 40 in Laredo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 63.77 and 36.23 in Laredo. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Laredo, TX 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.
How long does a move from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Laredo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Laredo handle piano moves, and 100% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
