($346+) Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY

Moving from Chicago, IL, to Lexington, KY, runs anywhere from $356 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,628 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 372 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,119, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,628 or more.
  • Moving containers run $963 - $2,964, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $356 - $942.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Lexington, KY. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,817 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY

There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Lexington: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,817 - $4,752. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 372 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 372-mile route from Chicago to Lexington, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,119 - $3,789 $963 - $1,560 $356 - $677 $850 - $1,418
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,817 - $4,752 $1,196 - $2,283 $391 - $749 $937 - $1,754
4+ bedrooms $2,800 - $6,628 $1,614 - $2,964 $466 - $942 $1,266 - $2,256

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY

Full-service movers for the 372-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $1,119 and $6,628. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $300 - $2,000, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Lexington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,119 - $3,789
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,817 - $4,752
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,800 - $6,628

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 Lexington.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Kentucky. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Lexington, KY

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lexington, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing99% of local movers$500 - $5,000
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co.$200 - $1,200/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$300 - $2,400
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers$1,000 - $3,000
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,500 - $10,000
Car shippingSecond vehicle$749 - $1,423
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc$1,000 - $2,500
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc$800 - $3,500
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers$300 - $1,500
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic$650 - $2,000
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$300 - $15,000+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$300 - $3,500+

What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Lexington?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Lexington with a local mover averages $1,745 - $4,562. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Chicago, IL can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.

Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.

Mighty Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.

Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023

Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY

Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Lexington, Kentucky, cost between $963 and $2,964. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Chicago costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Lexington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,560
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,196 - $2,283
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,614 - $2,964

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $700 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $150 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Lexington, KY, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Kentucky 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 $963. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,196 - $2,283, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Chicago to Lexington?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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
  • H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
  • Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY

Renting a moving truck for the 372-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Lexington, Kentucky, costs between $356 and $942, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $118 - $135
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Lexington based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $356 - $677
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $391 - $749
  • 4+ bedrooms: $466 - $942

Pro tip: The base rate of $356 - $942 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Chicago to Lexington. Fuel ($118 - $135) , lodging at around $150/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $75 and $350.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $150.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $118 and $135 for the 372-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $700 for 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Lexington?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Lexington, KY

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Lexington, Kentucky, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $937 and $1,754.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Lexington:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $850 - $1,418
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $937 - $1,754
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,266 - $2,256

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

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 $700.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $150 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 Lexington?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Chicago to Lexington, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Lexington, KY

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lexington, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Chicago, IL Lexington, KY
Cost of living index10691
Average rent$2,045/mo$1,345/mo
Median home value$317,509$272,002
Average income$75,134/yr$67,631/yr
Unemployment rate9.0%4.3%
State income taxUp to 4.95%Up to 4.0%
Walkability score77/10090/100
Safety index33.87/10049.12/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Lexington, KY to Chicago, IL guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Kentucky in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Illinois, handy for sizing up options on this 372-mile route.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Lexington, KY, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,119 - $6,628 on the 372-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $963 - $2,964 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $356 - $942 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,817 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include A&W Restaurants and University of Kentucky.

FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Lexington, KY

How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY?

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.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Lexington, KY?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

Is Lexington a safe place to live?

Lexington has a safety index of 49.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.88, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

How walkable is Lexington?

Lexington has a walkability score of 90 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 85, 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 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.