($492+) Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Little Rock, AR, runs anywhere from $538 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,109 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 653 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,463, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,109 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,549, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $538 - $1,431.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Little Rock, AR. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,159 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 Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Little Rock: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,159 - $5,772. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 653-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 653-mile route from Chicago to Little Rock, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,463 - $3,937 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,040 - $1,997), rental truck ($538 - $997), or freight trailer ($907 - $1,676). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,159 - $5,772 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,109.
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 Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
For the 653-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Little Rock, Arkansas, full-service movers cost between $1,463 and $8,109. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $288 - $1,920 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Little Rock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,463 - $3,937
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,159 - $5,772
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,950 - $8,109
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 Chicago to Little Rock.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Arkansas. 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.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Little Rock, 89% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $480 - $4,800 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $192 - $1,152/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $288 - $2,304 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $960 - $2,880 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,400 - $9,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $719 - $1,366 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $960 - $2,400 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $768 - $3,360 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $288 - $1,440 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $624 - $1,920 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $288 - $14,400+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $288 - $3,360+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Little Rock?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Little Rock, Arkansas, cost between $1,040 and $3,549. 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 Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Little Rock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,334 - $2,685
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,839 - $3,549
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $72 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $144 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Little Rock, AR, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $672 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Arkansas 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 $1,040. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,334 - $2,685, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Little Rock?
- 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
A rental truck for this 653-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Little Rock, Arkansas, costs between $538 and $1,431. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $199 - $228
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| 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 Chicago to Little Rock based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $538 - $997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $553 - $1,081
- 4+ bedrooms: $676 - $1,431
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $538 - $1,431 when pricing out a rental truck from Chicago to Little Rock. Fuel alone runs ($199 - $228) , and overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $144 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 $62 and $312 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $199 - $228 in fuel for the 653-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $672 in Chicago, Illinois, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Little Rock?
- 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 Chicago, IL to Little Rock, AR
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Little Rock, Arkansas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $864 and $2,063.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Little Rock:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $1,676
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,111 - $2,063
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,457 - $2,619
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $672.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $72 and $144 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Little Rock?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Little Rock. 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: Chicago, IL vs Little Rock, AR
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Little Rock, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 81 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,100/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $220,588 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $60,583/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 2.0% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 33/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 39.94/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Little Rock, AR to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Arkansas 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 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 653-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Little Rock, AR, 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 $1,463 - $8,109 on the 653-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,040 - $3,549 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $538 - $1,431 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,159 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Dillard's and Welspun Group.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Little Rock, AR
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 do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 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 Little Rock run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arkansas?
Before providing in-state household goods relocation services, Arkansas moving companies must be issued an Intrastate Authority Permit from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.
What are the best neighborhoods in Little Rock?
For families, Capital View/Stiff, Hillcrest, and River Mountain are worth a look in Little Rock. If you're moving solo or without kids, Hillcrest, Downtown, and Capital View/Stiff tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Little Rock?
Little Rock has a walkability score of 33 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 32, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
