Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Atlanta typically costs $2,300–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 716 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Atlanta
Moving from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA typically costs $2,300–$5,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 716-mile move from Chicago to Atlanta, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $2,935 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,427 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,512 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 08, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Atlanta
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,700, but larger homes can run up to $8,700.
- 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 ($600–$1,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Atlanta, GA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Atlanta movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Atlanta
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Atlanta, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→GA movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Atlanta
Many movers find Atlanta easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 14% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,134 for one person in Atlanta versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $7,822 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,810 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,039 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $388,167 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,107 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $7,822 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 7% lower in Atlanta than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 31% higher in Atlanta than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Atlanta than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Atlanta, where the cost of living for a single person is 14% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Atlanta 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 16% less than in Chicago.
- Atlanta experiences an unemployment rate that is about 33% 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 13% lower in Atlanta than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Atlanta can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Georgia compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Atlanta:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $200.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $57.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.13 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.96 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $46.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Atlanta, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Atlanta
| Chicago | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 498,715 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 42 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 64.23 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 35.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Atlanta's population is about 82% less than Chicago.
- Atlanta's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Atlanta is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 64.23 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Atlanta is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 35.77 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Atlanta is Moderate, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Atlanta 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Georgia 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 Atlanta smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Atlanta
Now that you've chosen The Atl as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cabbagetown
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avondale Estates
- Buckhead
- Candler Park
- Decatur
- Druid Hills
- Inman Park
- Mountain Park
- North Decatur
- Poncey-Highland
- Virginia-Highland
Things to do in Atlanta
After getting comfortable in your new Georgia home, it's time to see what Atlanta 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, Atlanta offers cultural landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Hammonds House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant 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 Atlanta Braves (MLB)Atlanta Falcons (NFL)Atlanta Hawks (NBA)Atlanta United (MLS)Atlanta Dream (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Atlanta 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 Atlanta?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Atlanta 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 Atlanta take?
A move of 716 miles from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA generally takes one to six days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Atlanta 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 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
