($1,049+) Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, AZ, runs anywhere from $1,070 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,756 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,298, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,756 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,532 - $5,589, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,070 - $3,025.
- 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 $3,020 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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 handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,020 - $6,789. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,749-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,298 - $5,008 with full-service movers, $1,532 - $2,976 with a container, $1,070 - $2,037 with a rental truck, or $1,392 - $2,600 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,020 - $6,789 full-service, $1,999 - $4,124 by container, $1,157 - $2,399 by rental truck, or $1,535 - $3,267 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,736 - $10,756 full-service, $2,702 - $5,589 by container, $1,430 - $3,025 by rental truck, or $2,161 - $4,428 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,749-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, with prices running from $2,298 - $10,756. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $307 - $2,048 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Tucson are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chicago movers tend to run around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,298 - $5,008
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,020 - $6,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,736 - $10,756
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: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tucson, 92% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $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?
Movers licensed to operate in Arizona are typically members of the Arizona Moving Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, cost between $1,532 and $5,589. 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 Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,532 - $2,976
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,999 - $4,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,702 - $5,589
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $154 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Tucson, AZ, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $717 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,532. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,999 - $4,124, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ
Truck rentals from Chicago, Illinois, to Tucson, Arizona, range from $1,070 - $3,025 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: $1,070 - $2,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,157 - $2,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,430 - $3,025
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Tucson starts at $1,070 - $3,025, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($570 - $651) , overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 $77 and $358.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $570 and $651 for the 1,749-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 $717 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 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
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tucson, Arizona.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,535 and $3,267.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,392 - $2,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,535 - $3,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,428
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $717.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Tucson?
- 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.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Tucson to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 97. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,295/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 43. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 45.57.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson, AZ to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Arizona, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,749-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Tucson, AZ, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,298 - $10,756 on the 1,749-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,532 - $5,589 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,070 - $3,025 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,020 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $2,298 to $10,756, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,298 and $10,756, 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.
How walkable is Tucson?
Tucson has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, 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 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 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 percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.