Mesa, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Mesa to Chicago typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,739 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Mesa to Chicago
Moving from Mesa, AZ to Chicago, IL typically costs $3,500–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,739-mile move from Mesa 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $2,907 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,847 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $7,081 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 09, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 02, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Mesa to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,900.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Mesa, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,100–$3,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Mesa, AZ guide.
Best Mesa to Chicago movers by type
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Best professional movers from Mesa to Chicago
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Mesa to Chicago, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 AZ→IL movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 99 Arizona moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Mesa to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 51% higher for singles and 66% higher for families than Mesa.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $2,416 in Mesa; families pay $9,266 compared with $5,566.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Mesa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,734 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,500 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $432,892 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,524 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,416 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,566 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.3% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 4.95% |
- Rent is estimated to be 15% higher in Chicago compared to Mesa; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 32% less in Chicago than in Mesa.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 11% higher in Chicago than in Mesa, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 51% higher than in Mesa. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Chicago, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 66% greater than in Mesa.
- In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 48% higher than in Mesa, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 23% in Chicago over Mesa, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 98% higher in Illinois than in Arizona, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Mesa and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Mesa | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.69 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $42.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Mesa than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mesa than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Mesa than in Chicago.
- Bread is more expensive in Mesa than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Mesa than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mesa than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mesa than in Chicago.
How life is different in Mesa vs. Chicago
| Mesa | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 504,258 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 72 |
| Crime index | 44.67 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 55.33 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 445% greater than Mesa.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Mesa's score of 4.
- Chicago is more walkable than Mesa with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Mesa's 38 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Mesa, which has a score of 60 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 Mesa with a score of 35.19 compared to Mesa's 44.67. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Mesa with a score of 33.87 vs Mesa's 55.33.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Mesa it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Mesa to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Illinois, it's time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Mesa to Chicago?
The best time to move from Mesa to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mesa.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mesa to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Mesa to Chicago, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Mesa to Chicago take?
Moving from Mesa, AZ to Chicago, IL covers 1,739 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Mesa movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Which movers in Mesa give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 5 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Mesa?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Mesa advertise piano moving expertise. 37 movers in Mesa provide antique moving services. State totals show 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
