($1,062+) Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,062 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,876 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,749 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 $2,150, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,876 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,551 - $5,021, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,062 - $2,944.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,883 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Tucson: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,883 - $6,750. Containers cost roughly 37% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,749 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,749-mile route from Chicago to Tucson, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,150 - $5,029 | $1,551 - $2,841 | $1,062 - $1,885 | $1,382 - $2,532 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,883 - $6,750 | $1,813 - $4,015 | $1,149 - $2,314 | $1,557 - $3,025 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,254 - $9,876 | $2,553 - $5,021 | $1,351 - $2,944 | $1,979 - $4,185 |
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 Tucson, AZ
Hiring full-service movers from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, costs between $2,150 and $9,876. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,749-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $307 - $2,048, 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 Tucson. 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 Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,150 - $5,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,883 - $6,750
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,254 - $9,876
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 Tucson.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Arizona. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tucson, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| 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 | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Tucson?
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 Tucson, AZ
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, cost between $1,551 and $5,021. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,551 - $2,841
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,813 - $4,015
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,553 - $5,021
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Chicago, IL and Tucson, AZ. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $717 in Chicago, IL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $154 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,551. 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 $1,813 - $4,015.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Tucson?
- 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 Tucson, AZ
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, range from $1,062 - $2,944 for the 1,749-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $570 - $651
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Tucson based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,314
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,351 - $2,944
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Tucson looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,062 - $2,944. But once you factor in fuel ($570 - $651), overnight lodging ($154/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $717.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $570 - $651 for the 1,749-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $61 and $333, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night for hotel stops on the 1,749-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $307 - $461.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Tucson?
- 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 Tucson, AZ
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $922 and $3,025.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,382 - $2,532
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,557 - $3,025
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,979 - $4,185
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $717.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $77 and $154 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Tucson?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Tucson, AZ
Good news for your budget: Tucson isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 97 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 43/100 and 45.57/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to Arizona, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 295 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 1,749-mile move.
Our take
A move from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, 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 $2,150 - $9,876 on the 1,749-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,551 - $5,021, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,062 - $2,944. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,883 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 Tucson tend to point to beautiful nature and renowned cuisine, though high crime rate and low economic opportunity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include University of Arizona and Raytheon Technologies.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, AZ
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.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $1,062 to $9,876, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,150 and $9,876, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Tucson, 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 $1,149 - $2,314. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($570 - $651), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $154/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Tucson, 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 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.