Top Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Gainesville guide.

1. Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. MoveBright Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. Baymeadows Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Hughes Relocation Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Florida to Illinois

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Florida to Illinois will cost between $1,277 and $5,507. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from FL to IL will range from $2,891 to $6,919, and a large move from Florida to Illinois will cost from $4,396 to $8,404.

Cost of moving containers from Florida to Illinois

If you're relocating from Florida to Illinois, you'll typically spend between $1,012 and $2,443 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,797 up to $3,841. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,450 and $4,862. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Florida.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to Illinois

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $793 to $1,664. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $894 to $1,980, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Florida to Illinois costs around $1,076 to $2,179.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 28% higher than in Gainesville.
• The home prices in Chicago are 2.7% higher than in Gainesville, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 21.3% higher than in Gainesville. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 111.2% higher than in Gainesville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 165.4% higher than in Gainesville.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 104.55% higher than in Gainesville.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 46.43% higher than what you are paying in Gainesville.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Gainesville.

• Chicago's population is about 1,847% greater than Gainesville.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Gainesville's lower score of 6.
• Chicago is more walkable than Gainesville with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Gainesville's 37 out of 100.
• Both Chicago and Gainesville have the same bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, meaning Chicago is about as safe for cyclists as Gainesville. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Chicago's crime rate is higher than Gainesville with a score of 35.19 compared to Gainesville's 8.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Gainesville neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Gainesville with a score of 33.87 vs Gainesville's 52.61.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Gainesville it's good.

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

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 settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.