($621+) Chicago, IL to Denver, CO Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Denver, CO, runs anywhere from $621 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,535 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,002 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,063, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,535 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,138 - $3,797, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $621 - $1,706.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Denver, CO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,348 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 Denver, CO
Moving options from Chicago to Denver fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,348 - $5,865 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,002-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,002-mile route from Chicago to Denver, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,063 for a studio up to $7,535 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,138 - $3,797 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $621 - $1,706, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,045 - $3,006, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Denver, CO
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,002-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Denver, Colorado, with prices running from $2,063 - $7,535. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $344 - $2,296 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chicago and Denver 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 Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,063 - $4,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,348 - $5,865
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,122 - $7,535
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 Denver.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Denver, 48% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $574 - $5,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $230 - $1,378/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $344 - $2,755 |
| 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 | $1,148 - $3,444 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,870 - $11,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $860 - $1,634 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,148 - $2,870 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $918 - $4,018 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $344 - $1,722 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $746 - $2,296 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $344 - $17,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $344 - $4,018+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Denver?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,138 and $3,797. 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 Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,138 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,797
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $86 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $172 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Denver, CO, 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 $804 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 Colorado 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 $1,138. 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 $1,495 - $2,798.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Denver?
- 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 Denver, CO
A rental truck for this 1,002-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Denver, Colorado, costs between $621 and $1,706. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $366 - $418
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $621 - $1,242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $728 - $1,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $932 - $1,706
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Denver starts at $621 - $1,706, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($366 - $418), overnight lodging ($172/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $804.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $366 - $418 for the 1,002-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 $69 and $373, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $172 per night for hotel stops on the 1,002-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $344 - $517.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Denver?
- 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 Denver, CO
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Denver, Colorado, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,136 and $2,308.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,045 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,136 - $2,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,006
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Chicago, Illinois, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $804.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $86 - $172 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Denver?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Denver. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Denver, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Denver, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 128 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,900/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $586,595 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $91,681/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 95/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 52.16/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver, CO to Chicago, IL guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Colorado, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 314 movers licensed in Illinois, useful context for sizing up this 1,002-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Denver, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,063 for a studio to $7,535 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,002-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,138 - $3,797. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $621 - $1,706, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,348 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Re/max and DaVita.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Denver, CO
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 is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($366 - $418), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $172/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Denver?
Denver has a walkability score of 95 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 96, 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 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.