Top Chicago, IL to Mesa, AZ Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Mesa to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Arizona

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Arizona typically costs between $1,490 and $5,936. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,603 and $8,100 when moving from IL to AZ. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to Arizona, you're looking at costs ranging from $7,189 up to $11,611.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Arizona

When you're heading from Illinois to Arizona, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,270 and $3,332. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,433 and $5,018. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,191 to $6,735. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Arizona

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $1,315 and $2,430 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,422 to $2,892. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,706 to $3,394.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Rent prices in Mesa are 13% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Mesa are 46.4% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Mesa is 9.8% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa — including Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company — may pay more.
• 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 33.8% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Mesa can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39.9% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Mesa is 32.22% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the city's sales taxes in Mesa are 19.02% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 49.49% lower than in Chicago.

• Mesa might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 82% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Mesa without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Mesa has a public transportation score of 4 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Mesa neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 38 out of 100, Mesa isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Mesa, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Mesa earned a 60. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Mesa is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 44.67 in Mesa, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Mesa than in Chicago, based on Mesa's safety index of 55.33 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Mesa and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
• 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Arizona, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

After settling into your new Arizona home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mesa has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mesa include museums and art centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.