($680+) Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $680 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,396 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,004 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,210, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,396 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,104 - $4,029, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $680 - $1,831.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Aurora, CO, 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.
Compare moving options from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Aurora to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,517 - $6,407. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 72% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,004-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,004-mile route from Aurora to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,210 - $4,686 | $1,104 - $2,203 | $680 - $1,254 | $1,035 - $1,906 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,517 - $6,407 | $1,480 - $3,033 | $699 - $1,534 | $1,184 - $2,238 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,958 - $8,396 | $1,976 - $4,029 | $923 - $1,831 | $1,661 - $3,068 |
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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
For the 1,004-mile move from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $2,210 and $8,396. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $350 - $2,336 (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 Aurora generally start around $240 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,210 - $4,686
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,517 - $6,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,958 - $8,396
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 Aurora to Chicago.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 49% of Aurora 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 packing71% of local movers | $584 - $5,840 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready49% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $234 - $1,402/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $350 - $2,803 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,168 - $3,504 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,920 - $11,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $875 - $1,662 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,168 - $2,920 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $934 - $4,088 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $350 - $1,752 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $759 - $2,336 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $350 - $17,520+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $350 - $4,088+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Aurora to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Aurora, CO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,104 and $4,029. 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 Aurora adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,104 - $2,203
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $3,033
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,976 - $4,029
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $88 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $175 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 $818 in Aurora, CO, 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 Colorado 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 $1,104. 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 $1,480 - $3,033.
What are the best moving containers Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Moving Brothers LLC (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,004-mile move from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $680 and $1,831. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $373 - $426
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Aurora 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 Aurora to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $680 - $1,254
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $699 - $1,534
- 4+ bedrooms: $923 - $1,831
Pro tip: A rental truck from Aurora to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $680 - $1,831. But once you factor in fuel ($373 - $426), overnight lodging ($175/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $373 - $426 for the 1,004-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 Aurora, Colorado, for about 5 hours typically costs around $818.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,004-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $175 per night, adding $350 - $526 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $58 and $350.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Aurora 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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Aurora, Colorado, 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 $1,051 and $2,238.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,035 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,068
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Aurora, Colorado, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $818.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $88 and $175 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Aurora 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Aurora to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Aurora, CO 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 Aurora on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Aurora, CO | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 124 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,850/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $443,829 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $84,320/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 40.95/100 | 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 Aurora, CO guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 278 movers in our Colorado network to compare for this 1,004-mile move.
Our take
The 1,004-mile move from Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,210 and $8,396 with full-service movers, $1,104 - $4,029 with a moving container, and $680 - $1,831 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,517 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL
How much does it cost to move from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $680 to $8,396, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,210 and $8,396, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 43 and 53 in Aurora. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($373 - $426), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $175/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 is the best time of year to move from Aurora, CO 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 percentage of Aurora movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Aurora handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.