($810+) Billings, MT to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $802 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,107 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,713, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,107 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,256 - $4,670, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $802 - $2,197.
- 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 $3,420 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
Moving options from Billings to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,420 - $7,757 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,225 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
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 | $2,713 - $6,224 | $1,256 - $2,430 | $802 - $1,515 | $1,213 - $2,231 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,420 - $7,757 | $1,753 - $3,318 | $911 - $1,820 | $1,361 - $2,626 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,659 - $10,107 | $2,330 - $4,670 | $1,135 - $2,197 | $1,772 - $3,626 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,225-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $2,713 - $10,107. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $298 - $1,988. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Billings and Chicago. Local movers in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,713 - $6,224
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,420 - $7,757
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,659 - $10,107
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Montana to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 60% of Billings 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 packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers85% 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 lbs40% of local movers | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect20% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $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?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Billings, MT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,256 and $4,670. 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 Billings runs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,256 - $2,430
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,753 - $3,318
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,330 - $4,670
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Billings, MT 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 $696 in Billings, MT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 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 Montana 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 $1,256. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,753 - $3,318, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Aaron's Back Company (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Baker Transfer & Storage (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,225 miles from Billings, Montana, to Chicago, Illinois, running $802 - $2,197. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $802 - $1,515
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $911 - $1,820
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,135 - $2,197
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $802 - $2,197 when pricing out a rental truck from Billings to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($387 - $443) , and overnight lodging ($149/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $149 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $323 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $387 - $443 in fuel for the 1,225-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $696 in Billings, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
If you're moving a larger household from Billings, Montana, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,361 and $2,626.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,213 - $2,231
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,361 - $2,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,772 - $3,626
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?
- 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 $75 and $149.
- 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 Billings, Montana, for roughly five hours typically average $696.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Diversified Transfer & Storage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Billings: cost of living index of 106 versus 95, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,300/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 35/100 and 50.37/100 in Billings versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Billings, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from Montana to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Montana alone has 11 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,225-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 1,225-mile move from Billings, MT, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,713 and $10,107 with full-service movers, $1,256 - $4,670 with a moving container, and $802 - $2,197 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,420 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 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 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
What do local movers charge in Billings?
Local movers based in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $105/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 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.
How much does it cost to move from Billings, MT to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $2,713 to $10,107, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,713 and $10,107, 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 percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
