($305+) Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO, runs anywhere from $315 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,258 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 297 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $949, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,258 or more.
- Moving containers run $928 - $2,626, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $315 - $795.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,527 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 Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Moving options from Chicago to St. Louis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,527 - $4,679 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 297-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 297-mile route from Chicago to St. Louis, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $949 - $3,546, container $928 - $1,525, rental truck $315 - $557, freight trailer $779 - $1,358.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,527 - $4,679, container $1,197 - $2,269, rental truck $335 - $653, freight trailer $884 - $1,764.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,334 - $6,258, container $1,504 - $2,626, rental truck $431 - $795, freight trailer $1,179 - $2,210.
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 Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
For the 297-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, full-service movers cost between $949 and $6,258. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $292 - $1,944 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $949 - $3,546
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,527 - $4,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,334 - $6,258
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 Chicago to St. Louis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Missouri. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In St. Louis, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to St. Louis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to St. Louis with a local mover averages $1,451 - $4,446. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Chicago, IL often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, cost between $928 and $2,626. 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 Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $928 - $1,525
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,197 - $2,269
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,504 - $2,626
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $680, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and St. Louis, MO, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Missouri 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 $928. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,197 - $2,269, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to St. Louis?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, range from $315 - $795 for the 297-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $92 - $105
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to St. Louis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $315 - $557
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $335 - $653
- 4+ bedrooms: $431 - $795
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $315 - $795 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to St. Louis. Fuel alone runs ($92 - $105) , and overnight lodging ($146/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $680 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 297-mile drive falls between $92 and $105, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $292 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to St. Louis?
- 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 Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $884 and $1,764.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $779 - $1,358
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $884 - $1,764
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,179 - $2,210
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $680.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to St. Louis?
- 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.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to St. Louis. 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: Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. Louis, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 84 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $180,206 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $55,279/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 4.8% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 66/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 30.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Missouri, 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. Illinois alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 297-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO, 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 $949 - $6,258 on the 297-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $928 - $2,626 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $315 - $795 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,527 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 St. Louis tend to point to rich culture and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though poor education and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include BJC HealthCare and Walmart.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO?
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.
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.
Is St. Louis a safe place to live?
St. Louis has a safety index of 30.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 69.65, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO?
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 $335 - $653. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in St. Louis?
For families, Hi-Pointe, The Hill, and Lindenwood Park are worth a look in St. Louis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central West End, Downtown, and Lafayette Square tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
