($700+) Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $714 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,477 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,004 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,186, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,477 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,255 - $3,902, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $714 - $1,884.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,749 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Aurora to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,749 - $6,728 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,004 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,004-mile route from Aurora to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,186 - $5,072 | $1,255 - $2,268 | $714 - $1,343 | $1,130 - $1,919 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,749 - $6,728 | $1,585 - $3,091 | $711 - $1,595 | $1,255 - $2,447 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,461 - $8,477 | $2,116 - $3,902 | $912 - $1,884 | $1,676 - $3,122 |
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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,186 and $8,477. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,004-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $350 - $2,336, 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 Aurora and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Aurora tend to start around $240 plus $120/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 Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,186 - $5,072
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,749 - $6,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,461 - $8,477
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 Aurora to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado to Illinois. 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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Aurora movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $584 - $5,840 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $234 - $1,402/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $350 - $2,803 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,168 - $3,504 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,920 - $11,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $875 - $1,662 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,168 - $2,920 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $934 - $4,088 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $350 - $1,752 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Buehler Moving Companies | $759 - $2,336 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $350 - $17,520+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $350 - $4,088+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Aurora to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Aurora, CO. 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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,255 and $3,902. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Aurora runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,116 - $3,902
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $818 in Aurora, CO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $88 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $175 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado 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 $1,255. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,585 - $3,091, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Buehler Moving Companies (4.3/5), 100 years in business
- Moving U (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Aurora, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $714 - $1,884 for the 1,004-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $373 - $426
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Aurora daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Aurora to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $714 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $711 - $1,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $912 - $1,884
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $714 - $1,884 does not include fuel ($373 - $426) , lodging ($175/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Aurora to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $88 and $409.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $175.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $373 and $426 for the 1,004-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $818 for 2 movers in Aurora, Colorado, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Aurora 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 Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Aurora, Colorado, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,255 and $2,447.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Aurora to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $1,919
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,255 - $2,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,122
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $88 and $175.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Aurora, Colorado, for roughly five hours typically average $818.
What are the best freight companies from Aurora to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Apex Transportation, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): Apex Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Aurora 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: Aurora, CO vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Aurora on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Aurora, CO | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 124 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,850/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $443,829 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $84,320/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 40.95/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Chicago, IL to Aurora, CO guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 81 movers licensed in Colorado, useful context for sizing up this 1,004-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Aurora, CO, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,186 for a studio to $8,477 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,004-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,255 - $3,902. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $714 - $1,884, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,749 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 Aurora, CO, 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 43 and 53 in Aurora. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 40.95 and 59.05 in Aurora. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL?
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.
How long does a move from Aurora, CO to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Aurora movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Aurora handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.