($969+) Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Scottsdale, AZ, runs anywhere from $969 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,565 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,742 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,168, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,565 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,386 - $4,910, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $969 - $2,909.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Scottsdale, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,998 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Moving options from Chicago to Scottsdale fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,998 - $6,670 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 63% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,742 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,742-mile route from Chicago to Scottsdale, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,168 - $5,166 | $1,386 - $2,807 | $969 - $1,921 | $1,300 - $2,402 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,998 - $6,670 | $1,961 - $3,659 | $1,124 - $2,401 | $1,538 - $3,204 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,464 - $9,565 | $2,497 - $4,910 | $1,390 - $2,909 | $2,079 - $3,970 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Scottsdale, Arizona, costs between $2,168 and $9,565. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,742-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $326 - $2,176, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Chicago and Scottsdale. For a rough baseline, movers based in Chicago tend to start around $220 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,168 - $5,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,998 - $6,670
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,464 - $9,565
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 Scottsdale.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Scottsdale, 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 movers41% 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 Scottsdale?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chicago, IL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Scottsdale, Arizona, cost between $1,386 and $4,910. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Chicago typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,386 - $2,807
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,961 - $3,659
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,497 - $4,910
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $762, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $82 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $163 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and Scottsdale, AZ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,386. 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 $1,961 - $3,659.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Scottsdale?
- 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 Scottsdale, AZ
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,742 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Scottsdale, Arizona, running $969 - $2,909. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $603 - $689
- 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 Scottsdale based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $969 - $1,921
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $2,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,390 - $2,909
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Scottsdale looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $969 - $2,909. But once you factor in fuel ($603 - $689), overnight lodging ($163/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $603 - $689 for the 1,742-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $762.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,742-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $163 per night, adding $326 - $490 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $326.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Scottsdale?
- 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 Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale, 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 $1,538 and $3,204.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Scottsdale:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,300 - $2,402
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,538 - $3,204
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,079 - $3,970
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $762.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $82 and $163 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Scottsdale?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Scottsdale to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 113. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $3,300/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 32. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 74.2.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Scottsdale, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Arizona in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 314 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 1,742-mile route.
Our take
The 1,742-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Scottsdale, AZ, costs between $2,168 and $9,565 with full-service movers, $1,386 - $4,910 with a moving container, and $969 - $2,909 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,998 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Scottsdale tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and beautiful nature, though tourists and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Honor Health and CVS Health.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Scottsdale, AZ
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Scottsdale?
For families, McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch, and Grayhawk are worth a look in Scottsdale. If you're moving solo or without kids, Old Town Scottsdale, Gainey Ranch, and Kierland tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Scottsdale, AZ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,124 - $2,401. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Scottsdale a safe place to live?
Scottsdale has a safety index of 74.2 out of 100 and a crime index of 25.8, 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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 41% and 26% nationally.