Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Montgomery to Chicago typically costs $2,600–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 750 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Montgomery to Chicago
Moving from Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,600–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 750-mile move from Montgomery to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,830 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,624 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $2,640 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 18, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 19, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 31, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Montgomery to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Montgomery to Chicago may only cost $1,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Montgomery.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Montgomery, AL guide.
Best Montgomery to Chicago movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Montgomery to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Montgomery to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
Best overall value
How we chose the best AL→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 46 Alabama moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Montgomery to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 121% higher for singles and 160% higher for families than Montgomery.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $1,651 in Montgomery; families pay $9,266 compared with $3,569.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Montgomery | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,232 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,567 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $140,563 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,989 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,651 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,569 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 5.0% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 70% more expensive in Chicago than in Montgomery. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 110% steeper in Chicago compared to Montgomery.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 43% greater in Chicago than in Montgomery, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 121% more than in Montgomery. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 160% higher than in Montgomery.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Montgomery by about 55%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Chicago and Montgomery (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are nearly the same between Illinois and Alabama, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Montgomery versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Montgomery | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $180.00 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.99 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.57 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $51.49 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.50 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Montgomery than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Montgomery than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Montgomery than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Montgomery than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Montgomery than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Montgomery than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Montgomery than in Chicago.
How life is different in Montgomery vs. Chicago
| Montgomery | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,603 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 33 | 72 |
| Crime index | 65.25 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 34.75 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 1269% greater than Montgomery.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Montgomery's score of 2.
- Chicago is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Montgomery's 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Montgomery with a score of 35.19 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
- Chicago and Montgomery have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.87 and 34.75.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Montgomery it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Montgomery to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team 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 Montgomery to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Montgomery to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Montgomery.
When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Montgomery to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Montgomery to Chicago take?
The 750-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Montgomery movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Montgomery movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Montgomery?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 4 movers in Montgomery provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 34 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
