Missoula, MT to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Missoula to Chicago typically costs $3,800–$9,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,566 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Missoula to Chicago
Moving from Missoula, MT to Chicago, IL typically costs $3,800–$9,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,566-mile move from Missoula to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $9,051 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Missoula to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,900, but larger homes can run up to $13,200.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Missoula.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,100–$2,900) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Missoula, MT guide.
Best Missoula to Chicago movers by type
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Best professional movers from Missoula to Chicago
For a stress-free interstate move from Missoula to Chicago, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MT→IL movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 12 Montana moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Missoula to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 81% higher for singles and 59% higher for families than Missoula.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $2,011 in Missoula; families pay $9,266 compared with $5,832.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Missoula | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 4.95% |
- As you consider relocating to Chicago, note that rent can be roughly 55% more expensive than it is in Missoula; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 46% lower in Chicago than in Missoula.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 21% higher in Chicago compared to Missoula, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person is 81% more than in Missoula. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 59% more than it is in Missoula.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 105% higher compared to Missoula, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Chicago has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 27% lower in Illinois compared to Montana. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Missoula with Chicago:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Missoula than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Missoula than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Missoula than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Missoula than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Missoula than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Missoula than in Chicago.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Chicago
| Missoula | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 72 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 3432% greater than Missoula.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Missoula's score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Missoula with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Missoula's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Missoula, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 35.19 compared to Missoula's 33.27. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 33.87 vs Missoula's 66.73.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Missoula it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Chicago move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've chosen Chi-Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Lake View
- Lincoln Park
- The Loop
- Near North Side
- West Town
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beverly
- Edison Park
- Lincoln Park
- North Center
- West Loop
Things to do in Chicago
After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it's time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Missoula to Chicago?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Missoula to Chicago are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Missoula are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from Missoula to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Missoula to Chicago take?
A move of 1,566 miles from Missoula, MT to Chicago, IL generally takes four to 15 days. Movers in Missoula sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chicago is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Missoula offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 3 movers in Missoula have the skills and equipment for piano transport. Across MT, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
