Top-rated local movers that handle Chicago to Louisville moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Louisville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 68 local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chicago to Louisville.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Louisville?
Movers in Illinois charge $113 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $825 – $2,972 | $616 – $1,343 | $303 – $547 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,486 – $4,327 | $1,129 – $2,018 | $312 – $629 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,138 – $5,960 | $1,418 – $2,709 | $398 – $750 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Louisville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Louisville, you can expect to spend between $825 and $2,972. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,486 to $4,327 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Louisville typically runs between $2,138 and $5,960.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Louisville
When moving from Chicago to Louisville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $616 and $1,343. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,129 to $2,018. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,418 up to $2,709. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Louisville
Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Louisville. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $303 and $547. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $312 and $629. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $398 and $750.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Louisville
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,165, but larger homes can run up to $5,034.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($303–$671) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Louisville
Many movers find Louisville easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 49% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,862 for one person in Louisville versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $4,532 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Louisville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,220 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,120 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $242,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $69,771 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,862 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,532 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 39% lower in Louisville than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 18% lower in Louisville than in Chicago.
- The average income in Louisville and Chicago is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Louisville, where the cost of living for a single person is 49% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Louisville could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 51% less than in Chicago.
- Louisville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 44% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 41% lower in Louisville than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Louisville can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 19% lower in Kentucky compared to Illinois. 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 Chicago with Louisville:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Louisville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $225.63 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $56.73 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $22.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Louisville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Louisville.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Louisville.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Louisville.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Louisville.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Louisville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Louisville.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Louisville
| Chicago | Louisville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 782,969 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 91 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 79 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 56.68 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 43.32 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Louisville’s population is about 71% less than Chicago.
- Louisville’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Louisville is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 91 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 79 out of 100, Louisville is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Louisville’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 56.68 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Louisville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 43.32 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Louisville is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Louisville 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: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Kentucky 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 Louisville smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive 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 Louisville
Now that you’ve chosen City of Beautiful Churches as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Louisville to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Butchertown
- Clifton
- Crescent Hill
- Downtown
- The Highlands
- St. Matthews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bonnycastle
- Clifton Heights
- Crescent Hill
- Hayfield Dundee
- Highlands Douglass
Things to do in Louisville
After getting comfortable in your new Kentucky home, it’s time to see what Louisville 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, Louisville offers cultural landmarks like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad’s Castle), and Muhammad Ali Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Louisville Waterfront Park, Iroquois Park, and Cherokee 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 Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)Louisville Bats (Triple-A East)Louisville City FC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Louisville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Louisville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Louisville?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Louisville 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 Chicago to Louisville take?
A move of 298 miles from Chicago, IL to Louisville, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Louisville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Chicago moving services
Popular Illinois routes
- Illinois to Kentucky car shippers
- Illinois to California movers
- Illinois to Florida movers
- Illinois to Georgia movers
- Illinois to Michigan movers
- Illinois to New York movers
- Illinois to North Carolina movers
- Illinois to Ohio movers
- Illinois to Pennsylvania movers
- Illinois to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!