($1,052+) Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,052 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,537 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,752 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,221, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,537 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,411 - $5,265, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,052 - $3,003.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,143 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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Phoenix to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,143 - $7,324 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 37% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 67% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,752 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,752-mile route from Phoenix to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,221 - $5,030 with full-service movers, $1,411 - $2,635 with a container, $1,052 - $1,944 with a rental truck, or $1,322 - $2,422 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,143 - $7,324 full-service, $1,994 - $3,960 by container, $1,050 - $2,431 by rental truck, or $1,458 - $3,075 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,685 - $10,537 full-service, $2,490 - $5,265 by container, $1,352 - $3,003 by rental truck, or $2,096 - $4,212 by freight.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,752-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,221 - $10,537. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $331 - $2,204 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Phoenix and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Phoenix movers tend to run around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,221 - $5,030
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,143 - $7,324
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,685 - $10,537
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 Phoenix to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Phoenix 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 packing79% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $220 - $1,322/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $331 - $2,645 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,102 - $3,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,755 - $11,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $825 - $1,568 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Arizona Discount Movers | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Beltmann Relocation Group | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $716 - $2,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $331 - $16,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $331 - $3,857+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ. 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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,411 and $5,265. 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 Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,635
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,994 - $3,960
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,490 - $5,265
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $83 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $165 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 $771 in Phoenix, 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 $1,411. 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 $1,994 - $3,960.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,752-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,052 and $3,003. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $614 - $702
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Phoenix 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 Phoenix to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,052 - $1,944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 - $3,003
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,052 - $3,003 when pricing out a rental truck from Phoenix to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $614 - $702, and overnight lodging ($165/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $614 - $702 for the 1,752-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 Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $771.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,752-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $165 per night, adding $331 - $496 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $331.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Phoenix, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,458 and $3,075.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,322 - $2,422
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,458 - $3,075
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,096 - $4,212
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $83 - $165 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, typically costs $771.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Phoenix: cost of living index of 106 versus 113, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,695/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 41/100 and 46.94/100 in Phoenix versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona 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 242 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,752-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,221 for a studio to $10,537 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,752-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,411 - $5,265. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,052 - $3,003, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,143 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live 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 Phoenix, AZ, to Chicago, IL
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 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. 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 Phoenix, AZ 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 $1,050 - $2,431. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 do local movers charge in Phoenix?
Local movers based in Phoenix typically start around $140 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.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.