($1,231) Moving from Chicago to Atlanta

Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Atlanta costs $595 to $5,946 and takes one-six days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 716-mile move yourself.

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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Atlanta to Chicago guide.

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The best Chicago to Atlanta moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Atlanta is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Atlanta.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Atlanta?

Chicago movers charge $100 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 $1,231 - $3,957 $753 - $1,861 $563 - $1,004
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,194 - $5,946 $1,499 - $2,767 $595 - $1,180
4+ bedrooms $3,853 - $8,078 $1,910 - $3,486 $715 - $1,519
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 716 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Atlanta

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Atlanta can be as low as $1,231 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,923.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $563 to $1,298. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Atlanta?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Atlanta will cost between $1,231 to $3,957. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,194 to $5,946, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Atlanta will cost from $3,853 to $8,078.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Atlanta?

Moving containers from Chicago to Atlanta will cost you $753 to $1,861 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,499 to $2,767. A larger home will cost $1,910 to $3,486.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Atlanta?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $563 to $1,004. A larger move will cost $595 to $1,180, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Atlanta costs from $715 to $1,519. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Atlanta

Cost of living: Chicago vs Atlanta

Chicago Atlanta
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,921
Average home value $306,098 $391,685
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $63,837
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,033
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $3,680
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.3%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.9%
State Income Tax 4.95% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Atlanta are 20% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Atlanta are 28.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Atlanta is 2.7% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Atlanta is 3.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Atlanta is 2.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Atlanta is 41.11% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Atlanta are 13.17% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Atlanta are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,095.90 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Atlanta?

Atlanta Chicago
Population 498,715 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 48 77
Bike friendliness score 42 72
Crime Index 44.83 35.19
Safety Index 36.75 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Atlanta's population is about 82% less than Chicago.
  • Atlanta's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Atlanta's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 44.83 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 44.83% 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 36.75 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Atlanta is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Atlanta

  • Weather: Atlanta has hot summers and cool winters. It's unlikely that the weather will delay your move but prepare for the weather ahead of move day since moving typically requires spending many hours outdoors.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Georgia does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Atlanta. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Atlanta

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Atl", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Atlanta.

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

What to do in Atlanta

These are some of the best things to do in your new Georgia home.

  • Georgia Aquarium
  • Fox Theatre
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • World of Coca-Cola
  • Piedmont Park
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • Atlanta History Center
  • Turner Field
  • High Museum of Art

Get your sports on!

Atlanta is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Atlanta Braves (MLB)
  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
  • Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
  • Atlanta United (MLS)
  • Atlanta Dream (WNBA)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?

The best time to move from Chicago to Atlanta is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Atlanta?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Atlanta in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Atlanta take?

The 716-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Atlanta, GA, takes one-six 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 Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources