($616+) Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Baton Rouge, LA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,220 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 915 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,123, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,220 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,198 - $3,879, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,664.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Baton Rouge, LA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,517 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 Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Baton Rouge 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 $2,517 - $6,492. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 915 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 915-mile route from Baton Rouge to Chicago, 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 $2,123 - $5,101 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,198 - $2,260), rental truck ($654 - $1,201), or freight trailer ($1,078 - $1,938). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,517 - $6,492 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,220.
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 Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
For the 915-mile move from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,123 and $8,220. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $295 - $1,964 (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 Baton Rouge generally start around $558 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Baton Rouge to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,123 - $5,101
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,517 - $6,492
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,118 - $8,220
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 Baton Rouge to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 67% of Baton Rouge 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 packing67% of local movers | $491 - $4,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $196 - $1,178/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $295 - $2,357 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs17% of local movers | $982 - $2,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,455 - $9,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $736 - $1,397 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $982 - $2,455 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $786 - $3,437 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $295 - $1,473 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $638 - $1,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $295 - $14,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $295 - $3,437+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Baton Rouge to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Baton Rouge, LA. 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 Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,198 and $3,879. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Baton Rouge costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Baton Rouge to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,198 - $2,260
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,570 - $2,930
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,930 - $3,879
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $74 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $147 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 $687 in Baton Rouge, LA. 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 Louisiana 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 $1,198. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,570 - $2,930, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 14 years in business
- A & L Movers (4.5/5), 11 years in business
- Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
Plan on $654 - $1,664 for a rental moving truck on the 915-mile route from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $286 - $327
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Baton Rouge daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Baton Rouge to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $654 - $1,201
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $693 - $1,428
- 4+ bedrooms: $861 - $1,664
Pro tip: A rental truck from Baton Rouge to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $654 - $1,664. But once you factor in fuel ($286 - $327) , overnight lodging ($147/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $687.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $286 - $327 for the 915-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 $59 and $319, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $147 per night for hotel stops on the 915-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $295 - $442.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, LA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 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 $884 and $2,464.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Baton Rouge to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,078 - $1,938
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,464
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,073
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $687.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $74 - $147 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 Baton Rouge to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- A-Z Delivery, Inc. (4.26/5 stars): A-Z Delivery, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Baton Rouge, LA vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Baton Rouge: cost of living index of 106 versus 93, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,250/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 39/100 and 30.74/100 in Baton Rouge versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Baton Rouge, LA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana 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 29 movers based in Louisiana, handy for sizing up options on this 915-mile route.
Our take
A move from Baton Rouge, LA, to Chicago, IL, 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 $2,123 - $8,220 on the 915-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,198 - $3,879, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $654 - $1,664. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,517 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 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 Baton Rouge, LA, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
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 walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 39 and 44 in Baton Rouge. 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 30.74 and 2.0 in Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge, LA 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 percentage of Baton Rouge movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Baton Rouge handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
