($991+) Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $991 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,075 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,743 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,376, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,075 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,491 - $5,231, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $991 - $3,001.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,158 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 Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Tempe to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,158 - $6,885 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,743-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,743-mile route from Tempe to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,376 - $5,027 | $1,491 - $2,758 | $991 - $1,905 | $1,329 - $2,481 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,158 - $6,885 | $1,947 - $4,054 | $1,060 - $2,454 | $1,450 - $3,212 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,044 - $10,075 | $2,735 - $5,231 | $1,393 - $3,001 | $2,104 - $4,017 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Tempe, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,376 and $10,075. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,743-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $331 - $2,204, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Tempe and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tempe tend to start around $200 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,376 - $5,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,158 - $6,885
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,044 - $10,075
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 Tempe to Chicago.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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 packing79% of local movers | $551 - $5,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $220 - $1,322/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $331 - $2,645 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,102 - $3,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,755 - $11,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $825 - $1,568 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers | $1,102 - $2,755 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $882 - $3,857 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $331 - $1,653 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $716 - $2,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $331 - $16,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $331 - $3,857+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ. 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 Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,491 and $5,231. 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 Tempe costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $2,758
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,947 - $4,054
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,735 - $5,231
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $83 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $165 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $771 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,491. 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 $1,947 - $4,054.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Plan on $991 - $3,001 for a rental moving truck on the 1,743-mile route from Tempe, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $611 - $698
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $991 - $1,905
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,060 - $2,454
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,393 - $3,001
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tempe to Chicago starts at $991 - $3,001, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($611 - $698), overnight lodging ($165/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $165 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 Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $771 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,743-mile drive falls between $611 and $698, 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 $55 and $331 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $992 and $3,212.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,329 - $2,481
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,450 - $3,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,104 - $4,017
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 $83 - $165 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tempe, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $771.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tempe 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: Tempe, AZ vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Tempe. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 113 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 54/100 and 57.64/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona 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 228 movers in our Arizona network to compare for this 1,743-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tempe, AZ, 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 $2,376 - $10,075 on the 1,743-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,491 - $5,231 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $991 - $3,001 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,158 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 Tempe, AZ, to Chicago, IL
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 54 and 75 in Tempe. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
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 Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.