($564+) Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $558 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,041 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 750 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 $1,718, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,041 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,118 - $3,707, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $558 - $1,512.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,538 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 Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Montgomery to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,538 - $6,111 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 750-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 750-mile route from Montgomery 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 $1,718 - $4,945 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,118 - $2,013), rental truck ($558 - $1,113), or freight trailer ($956 - $1,830). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,538 - $6,111 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,041.
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 Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,718 and $9,041. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 750-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $269 - $1,796, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Montgomery and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Montgomery tend to start around $462 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,718 - $4,945
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,538 - $6,111
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,192 - $9,041
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 Montgomery to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama 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 Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery 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 packing100% of local movers | $449 - $4,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $180 - $1,078/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $269 - $2,155 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $898 - $2,694 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,245 - $8,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $673 - $1,278 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $898 - $2,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $718 - $3,143 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers | $269 - $1,347 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $584 - $1,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $269 - $13,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $269 - $3,143+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Montgomery, AL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,118 and $3,707. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Montgomery adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,478 - $2,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,924 - $3,707
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $67 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $135 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 $629 in Montgomery, AL, 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 Alabama 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 $1,118. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,478 - $2,652, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:
- McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 750-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $558 and $1,512. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $214 - $245
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Montgomery daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Montgomery to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $558 - $1,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $614 - $1,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $800 - $1,512
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Montgomery to Chicago starts at $558 - $1,512, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($214 - $245) , overnight lodging ($135/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $214 - $245 for the 750-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 Montgomery, Alabama, for about 5 hours typically costs around $629.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 750-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $135 per night, adding $269 - $404 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $45 and $269.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Montgomery, Alabama, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,182 and $2,277.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,277
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,539 - $2,878
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $67 - $135 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 Montgomery, Alabama, typically costs $629.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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: Montgomery, AL 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 Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Montgomery, AL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Alabama to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 46 movers in Alabama, so you have real options to compare for this 750-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Montgomery, AL, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,718 for a studio to $9,041 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 750-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,118 - $3,707. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $558 - $1,512, 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 $2,538 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 Montgomery, AL, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Montgomery, AL 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 $614 - $1,310. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($214 - $245), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Montgomery, AL to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Montgomery, AL 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 Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
