($713+) Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Jacksonville, FL, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $713 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,701 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,062 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 $1,793, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,701 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,207 - $3,885, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $713 - $1,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jacksonville, FL, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,305 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Jacksonville to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,305 - $5,446 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 67% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,062-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,062-mile route from Jacksonville to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,793 - $4,032 | $1,207 - $2,183 | $713 - $1,250 | $1,107 - $2,004 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,305 - $5,446 | $1,522 - $2,977 | $762 - $1,502 | $1,219 - $2,478 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,740 - $6,701 | $2,036 - $3,885 | $903 - $1,773 | $1,580 - $3,140 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,793 and $6,701. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,062-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $300 - $2,000, 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 Jacksonville and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Jacksonville tend to start around $220 plus $95/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 Jacksonville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,793 - $4,032
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,305 - $5,446
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,740 - $6,701
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 Jacksonville to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Jacksonville 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 packing85% of local movers | $500 - $5,000 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Royal Moving and Storage | $200 - $1,200/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $300 - $2,400 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs63% of local movers | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,500 - $10,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $749 - $1,423 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Royal Moving and Storage | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Royal Moving and Storage | $800 - $3,500 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $300 - $1,500 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: MoveBright Moving and Storage | $650 - $2,000 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $300 - $15,000+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $300 - $3,500+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jacksonville 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Jacksonville, FL. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,207 and $3,885. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Jacksonville typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jacksonville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,207 - $2,183
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,522 - $2,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,036 - $3,885
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 $700 in Jacksonville, FL. 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 $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $150 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 Florida 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 $1,207. 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 $1,522 - $2,977.
What are the best moving containers Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville:
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 4 years in business
- MoveBright Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 13 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 29 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $713 - $1,773 for the 1,062-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $338 - $386
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Jacksonville daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $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 Jacksonville to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $713 - $1,250
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $762 - $1,502
- 4+ bedrooms: $903 - $1,773
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $713 - $1,773 when pricing out a rental truck from Jacksonville to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $338 - $386, and overnight lodging ($150/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $150 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $65 and $325 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $338 - $386 in fuel for the 1,062-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $700 in Jacksonville, Florida, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,219 and $2,478.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jacksonville to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $2,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,478
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,580 - $3,140
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $150 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Jacksonville, Florida, typically costs $700.
What are the best freight companies from Jacksonville to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Jacksonville 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: Jacksonville, FL vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Jacksonville and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 96 vs. 106. Average rent: $1,520/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 26 vs. 77. Safety index: 43.62 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Florida to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 885 movers in Florida, so you have real options to compare for this 1,062-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Jacksonville, FL, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,793 for a studio to $6,701 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,062-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,207 - $3,885. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $713 - $1,773, 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 $2,305 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 Jacksonville, FL, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($338 - $386), daily insurance ($30/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $150/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 is the best time of year to move from Jacksonville, FL 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.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Jacksonville, FL 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.
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 43.62 and 56.38 in Jacksonville. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Jacksonville movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Jacksonville handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.