($668+) Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Tallahassee, FL, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $668 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,625 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 961 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,849, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,625 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,245 - $3,813, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $668 - $1,828.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tallahassee, FL, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,334 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Tallahassee 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 $2,334 - $5,692. 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 961 miles, expect 2 to 7 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 961-mile route from Tallahassee to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,849 for a studio up to $7,625 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,245 - $3,813 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $668 - $1,828, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,056 - $3,371, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Tallahassee, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,849 and $7,625. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 961-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, 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 Tallahassee and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Tallahassee tend to start around $293 plus $100/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 Tallahassee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,849 - $4,295
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,334 - $5,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,708 - $7,625
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 Tallahassee 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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 71% of Tallahassee 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 | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready71% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items43% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Master Movers of Tallahassee | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type57% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tallahassee to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Tallahassee, 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 Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Tallahassee, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,245 and $3,813. 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 Tallahassee typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tallahassee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $2,177
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,585 - $3,056
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,033 - $3,813
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 $679 in Tallahassee, 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 $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 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 $1,245. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,585 - $3,056, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 34 years in business
- Browning Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 38 years in business
- Master Movers of Tallahassee (4.9/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 961 miles from Tallahassee, Florida, to Chicago, Illinois, running $668 - $1,828. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $297 - $339
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $668 - $1,227
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $758 - $1,548
- 4+ bedrooms: $868 - $1,828
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $668 - $1,828 does not include fuel ($297 - $339) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Tallahassee to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tallahassee, Florida, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $679.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $297 - $339 for the 961-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $315, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 961-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $291 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee, FL to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tallahassee, 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 $1,268 and $2,567.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tallahassee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,958
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,268 - $2,567
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,371
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tallahassee, Florida, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Tallahassee 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.
- Legends Trucking, LLC (3.92/5 stars): Legends Trucking, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tallahassee, FL 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 Tallahassee on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tallahassee, FL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,410/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $275,354 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $55,931/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 30/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 41.65/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Tallahassee, 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 961-mile move.
Our take
A move from Tallahassee, FL, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,849 - $7,625 on the 961-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,245 - $3,813, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $668 - $1,828. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,334 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Tallahassee, FL, 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 30 and 45 in Tallahassee. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
What do local movers charge in Tallahassee?
Local movers based in Tallahassee typically start around $293 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Tallahassee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 57% of movers in Tallahassee handle piano moves, and 43% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
