($494+) Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Moving from Fargo, ND, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $519 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,926 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 642 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,861, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,926 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,018 - $3,297, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $519 - $1,379.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,643 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Moving options from Fargo to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,643 - $7,086 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 642 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 642-mile route from Fargo to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,861 - $5,210 $1,018 - $1,935 $519 - $961 $906 - $1,758
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,643 - $7,086 $1,280 - $2,652 $527 - $1,074 $1,046 - $1,996
4+ bedrooms $4,622 - $9,926 $1,764 - $3,297 $705 - $1,379 $1,468 - $2,664

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 642-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $1,861 - $9,926. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $291 - $1,940. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fargo and Chicago. Local movers in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,861 - $5,210
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,643 - $7,086
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,622 - $9,926

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 Fargo to Chicago.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from North Dakota 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 Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 50% of Fargo 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 packingFull crew packing83% of local movers$485 - $4,850
Storage in transitNew place not ready50% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$194 - $1,164/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$291 - $2,328
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$970 - $2,910
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,425 - $9,700
Car shippingSecond vehicle$727 - $1,380
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$970 - $2,425
PianoAny piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$776 - $3,395
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling33% of local movers$291 - $1,455
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Midwest Moving Company$631 - $1,940
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$291 - $14,550+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$291 - $3,395+

What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Chicago?

Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fargo, ND. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,018 and $3,297. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Fargo runs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,018 - $1,935
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,280 - $2,652
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,764 - $3,297

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Fargo, ND, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $679, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Fargo, ND, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a North Dakota 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 $1,018. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,280 - $2,652, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Fargo to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fargo 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 Fargo:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 24 years in business
  • Midwest Moving Company (4.8/5), 8 years in business
  • 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 642 miles from Fargo, North Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois, running $519 - $1,379. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $198 - $226
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Fargo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Fargo to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $519 - $961
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $527 - $1,074
  • 4+ bedrooms: $705 - $1,379

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $519 - $1,379 when pricing out a rental truck from Fargo to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($198 - $226) , and overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate 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 Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $679.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $198 - $226 for the 642-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 $58 and $315, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 642-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $291 - $437.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Fargo, North Dakota, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,046 and $1,996.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $906 - $1,758
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,046 - $1,996
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,468 - $2,664

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $73 and $146.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, for roughly five hours typically average $679.

What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Chicago?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Magnum Ltd (4.96/5 stars): Magnum Ltd is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Fargo, ND 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 Fargo on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Fargo, ND Chicago, IL
Cost of living index91106
Average rent$1,055/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$269,827$317,509
Average income$66,029/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate3.6%9.0%
State income taxUp to 2.9%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score45/10077/100
Safety index56.17/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Fargo, ND guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 10 movers licensed in North Dakota, useful context for sizing up this 642-mile move.

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 642-mile route from Fargo, ND, to Chicago, IL, run $1,861 - $9,926 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,018 - $3,297, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $519 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,643, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

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 Fargo, ND, to Chicago, IL

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($198 - $226), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

What is the cheapest way to move from Fargo, ND 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 $527 - $1,074. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

How much does it cost to move from Fargo, ND to Chicago, IL?

Costs on this route range from around $1,861 to $9,926, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,861 and $9,926, 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.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What do local movers charge in Fargo?

Local movers based in Fargo typically start around $264 as a base rate, plus $99/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.

What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 67% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.