($1,064+) Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,064 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,951 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,754 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,181, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,951 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,413 - $5,223, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,064 - $2,866.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,118 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 Phoenix, AZ
Moving options from Chicago to Phoenix fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,118 - $7,121 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 66% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,754 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,754-mile route from Chicago to Phoenix, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,181 - $4,742 | $1,413 - $2,807 | $1,064 - $2,087 | $1,311 - $2,552 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,118 - $7,121 | $1,922 - $3,890 | $1,074 - $2,413 | $1,568 - $3,269 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,751 - $9,951 | $2,756 - $5,223 | $1,396 - $2,866 | $2,163 - $4,094 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,754-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Phoenix, Arizona, with costs ranging from $2,181 - $9,951. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $326 - $2,176. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Phoenix. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,181 - $4,742
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,118 - $7,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,751 - $9,951
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 Phoenix.
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 Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Phoenix, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Phoenix?
All three below meet the standards set by the Arizona Moving Association, the group most Arizona movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Chicago, IL. 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 Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Phoenix, Arizona, cost between $1,413 and $5,223. 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 Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $2,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,922 - $3,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,756 - $5,223
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $82 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $163 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $762 in Chicago, IL, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Phoenix, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Arizona 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 $1,413. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,922 - $3,890.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Phoenix?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,754 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Phoenix, Arizona, running $1,064 - $2,866. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $607 - $694
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Phoenix based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,064 - $2,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,074 - $2,413
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,396 - $2,866
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,064 - $2,866 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Phoenix. Fuel ($607 - $694), lodging at around $163/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $82 and $381.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $163.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $607 and $694 for the 1,754-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $762 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Phoenix?
- 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 Phoenix, AZ
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chicago, Illinois, to Phoenix, Arizona. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,568 and $3,269.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Phoenix:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,311 - $2,552
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $3,269
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,163 - $4,094
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $82 - $163 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $762.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Phoenix?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Phoenix quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Phoenix, AZ
Good news for your budget: Phoenix isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 113 there against 106 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 41/100 and 46.94/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Phoenix, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Arizona 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 295 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 1,754-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ, 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 $2,181 - $9,951 on the 1,754-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,413 - $5,223, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,064 - $2,866. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,118 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 Phoenix tend to point to beautiful nature and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though extreme weather and tourists come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include the State of Arizona and Walmart, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Phoenix, AZ
Is Phoenix a safe place to live?
Phoenix has a safety index of 46.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.06, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Phoenix?
Phoenix has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 56, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Phoenix?
For families, Arcadia/Biltmore, Ahwatukee, and Coronado are worth a look in Phoenix. If you're moving solo or without kids, Camelback East, Encanto, and Estrella Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Arizona?
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.
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 Phoenix run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.