Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Phoenix typically costs $3,600–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,754 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Phoenix
Moving from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ typically costs $3,600–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,754-mile move from Chicago to Phoenix, 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,293 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,886 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $5,344 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Phoenix
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Phoenix may only cost $2,500, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,400.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,100–$3,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Phoenix movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Phoenix
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Chicago to Phoenix. 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 IL→AZ movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 100 Illinois 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 Chicago to Phoenix
Many movers find Phoenix easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 35% less for singles and 44% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,369 for one person in Phoenix versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,226 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,664 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,634 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $411,139 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,552 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,369 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,226 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.6% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 2.5% |
- Rent is about 17% less expensive in Phoenix than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 39% steeper in Phoenix compared to Chicago.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in Phoenix than in Chicago.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Phoenix. The cost of living for a single person there is 35% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Phoenix can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 44% lower compared to Chicago.
- Phoenix has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 16% cheaper in Phoenix compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Arizona compared to Illinois, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Phoenix:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $75.22 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.75 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $34.08 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Phoenix, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Phoenix.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Phoenix.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Phoenix.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Phoenix.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Phoenix.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Phoenix.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Phoenix
| Chicago | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 1,608,139 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 56 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 53.06 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 46.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Phoenix's population is about 41% less than Chicago.
- Phoenix's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Phoenix is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Phoenix's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.06 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Phoenix is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.94 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Phoenix 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, 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 Phoenix. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Phoenix
With your sights set on Arizona's Urban Heart, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Phoenix.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Camelback East
- Encanto
- Estrella Village
- North Gateway
- South Mountain
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arcadia/Biltmore
- Ahwatukee
- Coronado
- Gilbert
- Paradise Valley
- Scottsdale
Things to do in Phoenix
With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Phoenix. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze 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 Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Phoenix?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Phoenix. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Phoenix?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Phoenix? 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 Chicago to Phoenix take?
The 1,754-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ, takes five to 16 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Phoenix.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 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.
