Amarillo, TX to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Amarillo to Chicago typically costs $2,800–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,051 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Amarillo to Chicago
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,800–$7,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,051-mile move from Amarillo to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,253 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,996 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,305 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Amarillo to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,500, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $8,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Amarillo, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($800–$2,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Amarillo, TX guide.
Best Amarillo to Chicago movers by type
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Best professional movers from Amarillo to Chicago
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Amarillo to Chicago, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best TX→IL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 291 Texas moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Amarillo to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 91% higher for singles and 96% higher for families than Amarillo.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $1,911 in Amarillo; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,721.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Amarillo | Chicago | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $1,153 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,000 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $193,956 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,333 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,911 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,721 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent is estimated to be 70% higher in Chicago compared to Amarillo; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 52% greater in Chicago than in Amarillo.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 17% higher in Chicago than in Amarillo, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 91% higher than in Amarillo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Chicago, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 96% greater than in Amarillo.
- In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 84% higher than in Amarillo, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 24% in Chicago over Amarillo, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Amarillo and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Amarillo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.12 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.50 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.43 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.04 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $20.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Amarillo than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Amarillo than in Chicago.
How life is different in Amarillo vs. Chicago
| Amarillo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 308,297 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 40 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 72 |
| Crime index | 25.31 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 74.69 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 791% greater than Amarillo.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Amarillo's score of 2.
- Chicago is more walkable than Amarillo with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Amarillo's 40 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Amarillo, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Amarillo with a score of 35.19 compared to Amarillo's 25.31. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Amarillo neighborhoods are safer than 25.31%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Amarillo with a score of 33.87 vs Amarillo's 74.69.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Amarillo it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Amarillo to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
Once you're settled into your new home in Illinois, it's time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Chicago?
The best time to move from Amarillo to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Amarillo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Amarillo to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Amarillo to Chicago, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Amarillo to Chicago take?
Moving from Amarillo, TX to Chicago, IL covers 1,051 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Amarillo movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Amarillo?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Amarillo advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Amarillo provide antique moving services. State totals show 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.