Top local movers for Tallahassee to Chicago moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Tallahassee that also provides long-distance services to Chicago can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed six local movers in Tallahassee who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Tallahassee to Chicago.
- Browning Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Community Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Pinky’s Moving Service: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mike’s Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 41
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 077949
Alternate Names: Fister Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2068
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Black Wolf Moving Florida, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2100
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2356292
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Shipment tracking
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 799596
Alternate Names: Tallahassee Motor Coach , Mike’s Moving , Go Mini Storage Tallahassee , Mike’s Limousine Luxury
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tallahassee to Chicago?
Movers in Florida generally charge an average of $172 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,035 – $4,159 | $801 – $1,911 | $649 – $1,205 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,201 – $5,108 | $1,524 – $2,825 | $701 – $1,403 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,676 – $7,261 | $1,995 – $3,823 | $811 – $1,707 |
Cost to hire movers from Tallahassee to Chicago
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Tallahassee to Chicago typically costs between $1,035 and $4,159. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,201 and $5,108 when moving from Tallahassee to Chicago. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Tallahassee to Chicago, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,676 up to $7,261.
Cost of moving containers from Tallahassee to Chicago
If you’re relocating from Tallahassee to Chicago, you’ll typically spend between $801 and $1,911 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,524 up to $2,825. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,995 and $3,823. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tallahassee to Chicago
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Tallahassee to Chicago move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $649 and $1,205. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $701 to $1,403. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $811 and $1,707.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Tallahassee to Chicago
The cost of Tallahassee movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Tallahassee to Chicago might be as low as $1,881, while a four-bedroom could reach $5,773.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Tallahassee.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $649 to $1,500 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Tallahassee to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 81% higher for singles and 100% higher for families than Tallahassee.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Tallahassee versus $2,019 in Tallahassee; families pay $9,266 compared with $4,631.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tallahassee | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,610 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,007 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $283,504 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,077 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,019 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,631 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 45% higher in Chicago than in Tallahassee, which may impact your monthly finances.
- The home prices in Chicago and Tallahassee differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 46% higher in Chicago than in Tallahassee, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Chicago, as the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 81% greater than in Tallahassee. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Chicago, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 100% more than it is in Tallahassee.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago exceeds that of Tallahassee by about 76%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Chicago exceed those in Tallahassee by 37%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Illinois has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Tallahassee and Chicago, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Tallahassee | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $149.82 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $42.92 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.62 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.32 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $23.50 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tallahassee than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tallahassee than in Chicago.
How life is different in Tallahassee vs. Chicago
| Tallahassee | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,731 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 45 | 72 |
| Crime index | 58.35 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 41.65 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 1261% greater than Tallahassee.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Tallahassee’s score of 5.
- Chicago is more walkable than Tallahassee with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Tallahassee’s 30 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Tallahassee, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Tallahassee with a score of 35.19 compared to Tallahassee’s 58.35. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Tallahassee with a score of 33.87 vs Tallahassee’s 41.65.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Tallahassee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tallahassee to Chicago move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Illinois, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Chicago
Ready to relocate to Chi-Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.
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
Now that you’ve made the move to Illinois, it’s the perfect time to explore Chicago. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Chicago include museums and art centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tallahassee to Chicago. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Tallahassee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tallahassee to Chicago?
With many people choosing to move from Tallahassee to Chicago in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Tallahassee to Chicago take?
Covering 961 miles, the move from Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, typically takes two to seven days. Some Tallahassee movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Chicago can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Tallahassee can handle specialty items for my move to Chicago?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Tallahassee, 4 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Tallahassee moving services
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