($863+) Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $863 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,622 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,398 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 $2,295, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,622 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,363 - $4,453, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $863 - $2,374.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,931 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Salt Lake City 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 $2,931 - $6,282. Containers cost roughly 45% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,398 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 1,398-mile route from Salt Lake City to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,295 - $4,809, container $1,363 - $2,543, rental truck $863 - $1,619, freight trailer $1,203 - $2,179.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,931 - $6,282, container $1,605 - $3,346, rental truck $942 - $1,849, freight trailer $1,338 - $2,759.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,764 - $8,622, container $2,226 - $4,453, rental truck $1,163 - $2,374, freight trailer $1,763 - $3,708.
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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
For the 1,398-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,295 and $8,622. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $345 - $2,300 (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 Salt Lake City generally start around $340 plus $137 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,295 - $4,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,931 - $6,282
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,764 - $8,622
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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 47% of Salt Lake City 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 packing71% of local movers | $575 - $5,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready47% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $230 - $1,380/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $345 - $2,760 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,150 - $3,450 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,875 - $11,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $861 - $1,636 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,150 - $2,875 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $920 - $4,025 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $345 - $1,725 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $748 - $2,300 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $345 - $17,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $345 - $4,025+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Salt Lake City, UT. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,363 and $4,453. 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 Salt Lake City typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,363 - $2,543
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,226 - $4,453
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Salt Lake City, UT 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 $805 in Salt Lake City, UT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $86 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $173 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 Utah 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 $1,363. 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 $1,605 - $3,346.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City:
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- Rocky Mountain Movers (4.6/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
Plan on $863 - $2,374 for a rental moving truck on the 1,398-mile route from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $512 - $585
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| 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 Salt Lake City to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $863 - $1,619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $942 - $1,849
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,163 - $2,374
Pro tip: The base rate of $863 - $2,374 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Salt Lake City to Chicago. Fuel ($512 - $585), lodging at around $173/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $86 and $403.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $173.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $512 and $585 for the 1,398-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $805 for 2 movers in Salt Lake City, Utah, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Salt Lake City, Utah, 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 $1,338 and $2,759.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,203 - $2,179
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,338 - $2,759
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,763 - $3,708
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 Salt Lake City, Utah, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $805.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $86 and $173 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Salt Lake City 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: 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: Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 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 Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Utah 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 106 movers in our Utah network to compare for this 1,398-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Salt Lake City, UT, 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 $2,295 - $8,622 on the 1,398-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,363 - $4,453 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $863 - $2,374 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,931 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 Salt Lake City, UT, to Chicago, IL
How much does it cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $863 to $8,622, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,295 and $8,622, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Salt Lake City, UT 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 do local movers charge in Salt Lake City?
Local movers based in Salt Lake City typically start around $340 as a base rate, plus $137/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 long does a move from Salt Lake City, UT to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 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 Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.