($582+) Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Burlington, VT, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $582 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,650 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 899 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,185, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,650 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,118 - $3,688, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $582 - $1,553.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Burlington, VT, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,678 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 Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Burlington to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,678 - $6,205. Containers cost roughly 46% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 77% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 899 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 899-mile route from Burlington to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,185 - $5,313 | $1,118 - $2,069 | $582 - $1,076 | $1,027 - $1,897 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,678 - $6,205 | $1,438 - $2,761 | $627 - $1,291 | $1,128 - $2,209 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,537 - $8,650 | $1,916 - $3,688 | $771 - $1,553 | $1,441 - $3,038 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 899-mile move from Burlington, Vermont, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $2,185 - $8,650. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $329 - $2,192. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Burlington and Chicago. Local movers in Burlington typically start around $594 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Burlington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,185 - $5,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,678 - $6,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,537 - $8,650
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 Burlington 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 Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Burlington 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 packing80% of local movers | $548 - $5,480 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $219 - $1,315/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $329 - $2,630 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% of local movers | $1,096 - $3,288 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,740 - $10,960 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $821 - $1,560 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Booska Movers | $1,096 - $2,740 |
| Piano | Any piano type14% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Local Muscle Movers | $877 - $3,836 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $329 - $1,644 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $712 - $2,192 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $329 - $16,440+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $329 - $3,836+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Burlington to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Burlington, VT. 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 Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Burlington, Vermont, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,118 and $3,688. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Burlington typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Burlington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,761
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,688
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Burlington, VT 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 $767 in Burlington, VT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $82 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $164 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 Vermont 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 $1,118. 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 $1,438 - $2,761.
What are the best moving containers Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington:
- Local Muscle Movers (4.9/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
Plan on $582 - $1,553 for a rental moving truck on the 899-mile route from Burlington, Vermont, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $314 - $358
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Burlington daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Burlington to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $582 - $1,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $627 - $1,291
- 4+ bedrooms: $771 - $1,553
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Burlington to Chicago starts at $582 - $1,553, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($314 - $358), overnight lodging ($164/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Burlington, Vermont, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $767.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $314 - $358 for the 899-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 $66 and $356, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $164 per night for hotel stops on the 899-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $329 - $493.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Burlington 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 Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Burlington, Vermont, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,128 and $2,209.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Burlington to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,897
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,128 - $2,209
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,441 - $3,038
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Burlington, Vermont, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $767.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $164 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 Burlington 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Burlington 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: Burlington, VT vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Burlington and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 112 vs. 106. Average rent: $2,200/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 59 vs. 77. Safety index: 56.67 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Burlington, VT guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Vermont to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 16 movers in our Vermont network to compare for this 899-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Burlington, VT, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,185 - $8,650 on the 899-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,118 - $3,688 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $582 - $1,553 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,678 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 Burlington, VT, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Burlington, VT 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 $627 - $1,291. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Burlington, VT to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $582 to $8,650, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,185 and $8,650, 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 4 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 Burlington?
Local movers based in Burlington typically start around $594 as a base rate, plus $200/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 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 percentage of Burlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 14% of movers in Burlington handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.