($862+) El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from El Paso, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $862 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,687 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,485 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,191, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,687 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,382 - $5,019, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $862 - $2,524.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from El Paso, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,822 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from El Paso 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 $2,822 - $6,692. Moving containers run about 36% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,485-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 1,485-mile route from El Paso to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,191 - $5,218 | $1,382 - $2,462 | $862 - $1,669 | $1,182 - $2,331 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,822 - $6,692 | $1,820 - $3,474 | $999 - $2,087 | $1,442 - $2,751 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,300 - $9,687 | $2,427 - $5,019 | $1,271 - $2,524 | $1,904 - $3,900 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,485-mile move from El Paso, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,191 - $9,687. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $275 - $1,832 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between El Paso and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, El Paso movers tend to run around $244 as a base rate plus $95/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from El Paso to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,191 - $5,218
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,822 - $6,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,300 - $9,687
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 El Paso to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of El Paso 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 packing78% of local movers | $458 - $4,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage22% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $916 - $2,748 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,290 - $9,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $686 - $1,303 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items33% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $595 - $1,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,206+ |
What are the best full-service movers from El Paso 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in El Paso, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from El Paso, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,382 and $5,019. 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 El Paso adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from El Paso to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,382 - $2,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,820 - $3,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,427 - $5,019
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both El Paso, TX and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $641 in El Paso, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $69 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $137 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,382. 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 $1,820 - $3,474.
What are the best moving containers El Paso 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 El Paso 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 El Paso:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- PODS Moving & Storage
- TIS Worldwide
Moving truck rental costs from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,485 miles from El Paso, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, running $862 - $2,524. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $433 - $495
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- El Paso 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 El Paso to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $862 - $1,669
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $999 - $2,087
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,271 - $2,524
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $862 - $2,524 when pricing out a rental truck from El Paso to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $433 - $495, and overnight lodging ($137/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in El Paso, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $641.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $433 - $495 for the 1,485-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $55 and $298, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 per night for hotel stops on the 1,485-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $275 - $412.
What are the best moving truck rentals from El Paso 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 El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from El Paso, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,442 and $2,751.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from El Paso to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,182 - $2,331
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,442 - $2,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,904 - $3,900
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In El Paso, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $641.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $137 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from El Paso to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from El Paso to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: El Paso, TX 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 El Paso on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | El Paso, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 82 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,510/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $172,129 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $58,734/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 40/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 67.49/100 | 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 El Paso, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 5 real quotes from Texas to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,485-mile route.
Our take
For a move from El Paso, TX, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,191 for a studio to $9,687 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,485-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,382 - $5,019. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $862 - $2,524, 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 $2,822 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 El Paso, TX, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from El Paso, TX 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 do local movers charge in El Paso?
Local movers based in El Paso typically start around $244 as a base rate, plus $95/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from El Paso, TX to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from El Paso, TX 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 $999 - $2,087. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of El Paso movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in El Paso handle piano moves, and 33% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.