Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago to Tucson ranges from $1,353 to $8,522 and the journey will take approximately four to 15 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,748-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Tucson to Chicago guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Chicago to Tucson
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Chicago to Tucson isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to AZ move
Find trusted moving companies for your Chicago to Tucson journey
Organizing a move from Chicago to Tucson can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Chicago known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chicago to Tucson.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Tucson?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,536 - $5,701 | $1,377 - $3,332 | $1,226 - $2,455 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,603 - $8,522 | $2,338 - $4,921 | $1,353 - $3,067 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,636 - $11,734 | $3,093 - $6,473 | $1,654 - $3,466 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Arizona
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Arizona typically costs between $1,536 and $5,701. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,603 and $8,522 when moving from IL to AZ. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Illinois to Arizona, you're looking at costs ranging from $6,636 up to $11,734.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Arizona
When you're heading from Illinois to Arizona, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,377 and $3,332. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,338 and $4,921. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,093 to $6,473. 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 Illinois to Arizona
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,226 and $2,455. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,353 to $3,067. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,654 and $3,466.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Tucson
What to know before moving from Chicago to Tucson
Moving from Chicago to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Tucson | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,295 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $327,203 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $61,749 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,390 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $6,043 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.4% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.7% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Tucson are 37% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Tucson are 10.6% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Tucson is 13.7% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson — including University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Tucson. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 34.5% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Tucson 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 34.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Tucson is 17.78% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the city's sales taxes in Tucson are 15.12% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 49.49% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,965.46 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Tucson
Tucson | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 542,629 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 43 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 72 |
Crime Index | 54.43 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 45.57 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Tucson's population is about 80% less than Chicago.
- Tucson's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Tucson is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Tucson has a bike-friendliness score 66 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.
- Tucson's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 54.43 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Tucson is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 45.57 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Tucson is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Tucson move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Arizona does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 Tucson. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Tucson
Now that you've decided to make the move to Old Pueblo, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Tucson.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Armory Park
- Dunbar Spring
- Old Fort Lowell
- El Presidio
- Sam Hughes
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armory Park
- Broadmoor-Broadway
- Catalina Foothills
- Dunbar Spring
- Sam Hughes
Things to do in Tucson
Now that you've made the move to Arizona it's the perfect time to explore Tucson From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Tucson, such as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Tucson?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Tucson are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Tucson?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Tucson in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Tucson take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ covers 1,748 miles and usually takes four to 15 days Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Tucson.