Top-rated local movers that handle Chicago to Cape Coral moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Cape Coral, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 68 local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chicago to Cape Coral.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Cape Coral?
Movers in Illinois charge $113 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 | $1,188 – $4,478 | $940 – $2,350 | $758 – $1,566 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,545 – $5,855 | $1,553 – $3,453 | $853 – $1,702 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,374 – $8,175 | $2,282 – $4,584 | $1,115 – $2,295 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Cape Coral
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Cape Coral, you can expect to spend between $1,188 and $4,478. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,545 to $5,855 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Cape Coral typically runs between $4,374 and $8,175.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Cape Coral
When moving from Chicago to Cape Coral, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $940 and $2,350. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,553 to $3,453. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,282 up to $4,584. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Cape Coral
Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Cape Coral. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $758 and $1,566. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $853 and $1,702. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,115 and $2,295.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Cape Coral
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,205, but larger homes can run up to $7,457.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($758–$1,979) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Cape Coral
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Cape Coral runs about 16% higher for singles and -35% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $4,233 in Chicago versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $6,030 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | Cape Coral | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,800 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,600 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $363,960 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $65,282 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $4,233 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $6,030 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Chicago to Cape Coral, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 23% higher in Cape Coral than in Chicago.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 9% less in Cape Coral than in Chicago.
- Plan for higher expenses in Cape Coral, since the cost of living for a single person is 16% more than in Chicago. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- Moving to Cape Coral could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 35% less than in Chicago.
- Cape Coral experiences an unemployment rate that is about 49% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 37% lower in Cape Coral than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Cape Coral can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Cape Coral:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Cape Coral |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $239.17 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $55.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.38 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $30.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Cape Coral, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Cape Coral.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Cape Coral
| Chicago | Cape Coral | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 216,922 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 17 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 37 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 19.41 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 80.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Cape Coral’s population is about 92% less than Chicago.
- Cape Coral’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Cape Coral is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 17 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Cape Coral has a bike-friendliness score of 37 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Cape Coral’s crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 19.41 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Cape Coral neighborhoods are safer than 19.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Cape Coral is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 80.59 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Cape Coral is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Cape Coral move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Florida doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Cape Coral smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Cape Coral
Now that you’ve chosen Waterfront Wonderland as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Cape Coral to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Tarpon Point Marina
- Cape Harbour
- City Center
- Rose Garden
- Caloosahatchee
Best neighborhoods for families
- Sandoval
- Pelican
- Coral Lakes
- Trafalgar
- Burnt Store
Things to do in Cape Coral
After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it’s time to see what Cape Coral is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Cape Coral offers cultural landmarks like the Harbour View Gallery, Cape Coral Historical Museum, and Lorne’s Art Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Cape Coral, Fellowship Park, Sirenia Vista Park, and Veterans Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Cape Coral Hurricanes (Soccer)Florida Everblades (Ice Hockey – nearby Fort Myers)Minnesota Twins (Spring Training in nearby Fort Myers)Boston Red Sox (Spring Training in nearby Fort Myers)Cape Coral High School Seahawks (various sports)Youth Sports programs (Biddy Basketball, Youth Basketball, High School Basketball, Youth Flag Football, Youth Volleyball, Youth Baseball, Erik Metzler Baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Cape Coral?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Cape Coral are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Cape Coral take?
A move of 1,296 miles from Chicago, IL to Cape Coral, generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Cape Coral is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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