($756+) Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL Movers

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Background image of a moving truck moving from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL

Moving from Jacksonville, FL, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $741 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,329 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,019, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,329 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,180 - $4,329, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $741 - $1,939.
  • 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 $2,325 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL

There are 3 main ways to move from Jacksonville to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,325 - $5,774. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,062 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

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 $2,019 - $4,410 $1,180 - $2,383 $741 - $1,394 $1,151 - $2,166
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,325 - $5,774 $1,614 - $3,348 $800 - $1,642 $1,216 - $2,679
4+ bedrooms $3,769 - $7,329 $2,051 - $4,329 $938 - $1,939 $1,797 - $3,329

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,062-mile move from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $2,019 - $7,329. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $300 - $2,000. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Jacksonville and Chicago. Local movers in Jacksonville typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $95/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jacksonville to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,019 - $4,410
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,325 - $5,774
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,769 - $7,329

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.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Florida 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.

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.

Get Started

Specialty moving services from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Jacksonville 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$500 - $5,000
Storage in transitNew place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Flex Moving & Storage$200 - $1,200/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$300 - $2,400
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers$1,000 - $3,000
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,500 - $10,000
Car shippingSecond vehicle$749 - $1,423
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage$1,000 - $2,500
PianoAny piano type68% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Royal Moving and Storage$800 - $3,500
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling18% of local movers$300 - $1,500
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Premier Movers$650 - $2,000
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$300 - $15,000+
Pet relocationGround, 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 $1,180 and $4,329. 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 Jacksonville costs roughly $70/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jacksonville to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,180 - $2,383
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,614 - $3,348
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,051 - $4,329

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 $1,180. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,614 - $3,348, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Jacksonville to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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
  • Royal Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 41 years in business
  • Stewart Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 32 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Jacksonville, FL to Chicago, IL

Renting a moving truck for the 1,062-mile move from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $741 and $1,939, before these typical add-ons:

  • 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 sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Jacksonville to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $741 - $1,394
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $800 - $1,642
  • 4+ bedrooms: $938 - $1,939

Pro tip: The base rate of $741 - $1,939 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Jacksonville to Chicago. Fuel ($338 - $386) , lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $150 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 Jacksonville, Florida, usually costs about $700 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 1,062-mile drive falls between $338 and $386, 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 $50 and $300 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Jacksonville to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,216 and $2,679.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jacksonville to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,166
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,679
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,797 - $3,329

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?

  • 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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Landstar Ranger, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Landstar Ranger, 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: If speed matters on your move from Jacksonville to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Jacksonville, FL vs Chicago, IL

Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Jacksonville. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 96 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 26/100 and 43.62/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Jacksonville, FL guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Florida 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 229 movers in our Florida network to compare for this 1,062-mile move.

30%+
Save 30%+
moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before they book.
$1K
$1,000 in coverage
Booking with a moveBuddha Certified mover gets you dedicated support from start to finish.
Dispute mediation
We help resolve issues with Certified movers if a problem comes up.

Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Jacksonville, FL, 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 $2,019 - $7,329 on the 1,062-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,180 - $4,329 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $741 - $1,939 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,325 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 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 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 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 68% of movers in Jacksonville handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.