Top Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Phoenix 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

Planning a move from Illinois to Arizona? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,523 and $5,939. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,744 and $8,393 for the same journey (IL to AZ). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,329 to $11,946.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Arizona

If you're moving from Illinois to Arizona, expect to pay between $1,293 and $3,425 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,306 up to $4,666. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,347 and $6,925. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Arizona

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,227 and $2,410. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,441 and $3,105. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,781 up to $3,437 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent prices in Phoenix are 17% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in Phoenix are 39.0% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Phoenix is 9.8% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Phoenix — including the State of Arizona, Walmart, Inc., and Banner Health — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Phoenix. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 35.1% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Phoenix 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 43.6% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Phoenix is 26.67% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Phoenix, since the city's sales taxes in Phoenix are 16.10% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Phoenix is paying less in state income taxes, which are 49.49% lower than in Chicago.

• Phoenix's population is about 41% less than Chicago.
• Phoenix's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher 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 56 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• 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.

• Weather: The climate is unlikely to affect your move but summers in Phoenix are unsurprisingly very hot with daily averages over 100° F. You should take this into consideration because moving often requires spending many hours outdoors. You should also be sure that air conditioning is set up in your new home before move day, especially if you're moving in the summer.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Arizona doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Phoenix without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

• Ahwatukee
• Coronado
• Gilbert
• Paradise Valley
• Scottsdale

Things to do in Phoenix

After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, it's time to see what Phoenix is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Phoenix include museums and art centers like the Musical Instrument Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Encanto Park, Freestone Park, Tempe Beach Park, and Desert Breeze 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 Arizona Cardinals (NFL), Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), or Arizona Coyotes (NHL) game.