($765+) Billings, MT to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $765 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,648 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,225 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 $2,565, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,648 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,274 - $4,328, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $765 - $2,226.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,232 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Billings 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 $3,232 - $7,255. Moving containers run about 48% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 74% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,225-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 1,225-mile route from Billings to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,565 - $6,115 | $1,274 - $2,413 | $765 - $1,520 | $1,158 - $2,024 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,232 - $7,255 | $1,690 - $3,298 | $844 - $1,772 | $1,273 - $2,507 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,347 - $9,648 | $2,246 - $4,328 | $1,052 - $2,226 | $1,709 - $3,600 |
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 Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 1,225-mile relocation from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $2,565 and $9,648. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $298 - $1,988, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Billings typically charge a base rate around $259 plus $105 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,565 - $6,115
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,232 - $7,255
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,347 - $9,648
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 Billings to Chicago.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings 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 packing50% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $199 - $1,193/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,386 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $646 - $1,988 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,479+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings 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 Billings, MT. 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 Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,274 and $4,328. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Billings costs roughly $55/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,274 - $2,413
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,690 - $3,298
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,246 - $4,328
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $149 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 $696 in Billings, MT, 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.
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 $1,274. 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 $1,690 - $3,298.
What are the best moving containers Billings 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,225-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $765 and $2,226. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $387 - $443
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.89
| 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 Billings to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $765 - $1,520
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $844 - $1,772
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,052 - $2,226
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Billings to Chicago starts at $765 - $2,226, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($387 - $443), overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $75 and $348.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $149.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $387 and $443 for the 1,225-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $696 for 2 movers in Billings, Montana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings 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 Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Billings, Montana, 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 $1,273 and $2,507.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,158 - $2,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,507
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,709 - $3,600
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Billings, Montana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $696.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $149 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 Billings 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Billings. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 95 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 50.37/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Billings, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Montana to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 19 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,225-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,565 for a studio to $9,648 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,225-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,274 - $4,328. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $765 - $2,226, 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 $3,232 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 Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Billings, MT 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 is the best time of year to move from Billings, MT 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.
How long does a move from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($387 - $443), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $149/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Billings, MT 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 $844 - $1,772. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.