Highly rated local moving companies for Chicago to Miami moves
Organizing a move from Chicago to Miami can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 68 local movers in Chicago known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Chicago to Miami.
- 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 Miami?
On average, moving companies in Illinois charge about $113 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,219 – $4,762 | $964 – $2,365 | $829 – $1,683 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,681 – $6,039 | $1,690 – $3,380 | $915 – $1,849 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,722 – $8,635 | $2,341 – $4,453 | $1,106 – $2,234 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Miami
When planning a move to Miami from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,219 and $4,762. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,681 and $6,039 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,722 to $8,635.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Miami
When you’re heading from Chicago to Miami, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $964 and $2,365. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,690 and $3,380. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,341 to $4,453. 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 Chicago to Miami
A moving rental truck from Chicago to Miami is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $829 to $1,683. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $915 to $1,849, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to Miami costs around $1,106 to $2,234.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Chicago to Miami
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Chicago to Miami may only cost $2,307, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,346.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Chicago.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($829–$2,107), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Miami
Many movers find Miami easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 15% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,103 for one person in Miami versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $7,450 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $2,885 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $579,925 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $54,858 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,103 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $7,450 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 8.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 46% more expensive in Miami than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 96% steeper in Miami compared to Chicago.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 23% less in Miami than in Chicago.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Miami. The cost of living for a single person there is 15% below that of Chicago.
- A move to Miami can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 20% lower compared to Chicago.
- Miami has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 8%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 32% cheaper in Miami compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Chicago versus Miami:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $148.61 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $67.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.89 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.89 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $110.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $64.40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Miami.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Chicago than in Miami.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Miami.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Miami.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Chicago than in Miami.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Miami.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Miami
| Chicago | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 442,241 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 64 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 52.54 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 47.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Miami’s population is about 84% less than Chicago.
- Miami’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Miami and Chicago are similarly walkable.
- Miami has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Miami’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 52.54 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Miami is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 47.46 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Miami is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Miami move
- HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and Miami are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Florida, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Florida, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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 Miami. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Miami
With your sights set on The 305, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Miami.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Coral Gables
- Brickell
- Little Havana
- Wynwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Coconut Grove
- Coral Gables
- Kendall
- Key Biscayne
- Pinecrest
Things to do in Miami
With your move to Florida complete, you can dive right into experiencing Miami. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Miami is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami Design District, and Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Bayfront Park, Tropical Park, Matheson Hammock Park, and Domino Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Miami Dolphins (NFL)Inter Miami CF (MLS)Miami Marlins (MLB)Florida Panthers (NHL)Miami Heat (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Miami?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Miami. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Miami?
Want to save on your move from Chicago to Miami? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Miami take?
The 1,380-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Miami, , takes three to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Miami.
What kinds of discounts do Chicago movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Chicago?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Chicago provide piano moving services. 40 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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