Chicago, IL to Mesa, AZ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Mesa typically costs $3,600–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,740 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Mesa
Moving from Chicago, IL to Mesa, AZ typically costs $3,600–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,740-mile move from Chicago to Mesa, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $6,722 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,680 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,743 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 18, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 17, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Mesa
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,400, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,200–$3,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Mesa, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Mesa movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Mesa
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Chicago to Mesa, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→AZ movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 100 Illinois moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Mesa
Many movers find Mesa easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 34% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,416 for one person in Mesa versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,566 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,734 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,500 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $432,892 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $64,524 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,416 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,566 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 2.5% |
- If you're heading to Mesa from Chicago, you'll find that rent is roughly 13% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 46% greater in Mesa than in Chicago.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 10% lower in Mesa compared to Chicago.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Mesa. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 34% lower than in Chicago.
- Choosing to move to Mesa can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 40% less than in Chicago.
- Mesa enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 32% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 19% in Mesa compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 49% less in Arizona than in Illinois. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Mesa:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $256.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $70.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.69 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $42.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Mesa, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Mesa.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Mesa.
- Bread costs less in Chicago than in Mesa.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Mesa.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Mesa.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Mesa.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Mesa
| Chicago | Mesa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 504,258 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 38 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 60 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 44.67 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 55.33 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Mesa's population is about 82% less than Chicago.
- Mesa's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Mesa is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 38 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Mesa has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Mesa's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 44.67 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Mesa is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 55.33 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Mesa is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Mesa move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Mesa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Mesa
Now that you've decided to make the move to , these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
Once you're settled into your new home in Arizona, it's time to get out and discover what Mesa has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mesa, such as the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, and i.d.e.a. Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Mesa?
The best time to move from Chicago to Mesa is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Mesa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Mesa, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Mesa take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Mesa, AZ covers 1,740 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Mesa.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
