($1,140) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Phoenix

When planning a move to Phoenix from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,140 and $4,763. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,859 and $6,736 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,169 to $9,975.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Phoenix

When you’re heading from Chicago to Phoenix, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,081 and $2,617. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,853 and $3,903. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,430 to $5,291. 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 Chicago to Phoenix

A moving rental truck from Chicago to Phoenix is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,046 to $1,974. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,133 to $2,349, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Phoenix costs around $1,319 to $2,875.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 17% less expensive in Phoenix than in Chicago, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 39% steeper in Phoenix compared to Chicago.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in Phoenix than in Chicago.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Phoenix. The cost of living for a single person there is 35% below that of Chicago.
• A move to Phoenix can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 44% lower compared to Chicago.
• Phoenix has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 16% cheaper in Phoenix compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 49% less in Arizona compared to Illinois, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Phoenix’s population is about 41% less than Chicago.
• Phoenix’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Phoenix is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Phoenix has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Phoenix’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 53.06 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Phoenix is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 46.94 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Phoenix is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Phoenix are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in Arizona, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Arizona, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Phoenix. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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

• Camelback East
• Encanto
• Estrella Village
• North Gateway
• South Mountain

Best neighborhoods for families

• Arcadia/Biltmore
• Ahwatukee
• Coronado
• Gilbert
• Paradise Valley
• Scottsdale

Things to do in Phoenix

With your move to Arizona complete, you can dive right into experiencing Phoenix. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Phoenix is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Children’s Museum of Phoenix.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arizona Cardinals (NFL)Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)Phoenix Suns (NBA)Arizona Coyotes (NHL)Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)Arizona Rattlers (IFL)Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) game.