$947 Movers From Chicago to Louisville

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Louisville, KY averages from $342 to $4,635 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Louisville, KY.

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

Moving from Chicago to Louisville resources

Moving 296 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

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 $947 - $3,003 $635 - $1,440 $318 - $564
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,560 - $4,635 $1,072 - $2,056 $342 - $708
4+ bedrooms $2,268 - $5,839 $1,460 - $2,818 $431 - $836
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 296 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.

The cost to move from Chicago to Louisville will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Louisville will cost between $947 to $3,003. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,560 to $4,635, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Louisville will cost from $2,268 to $5,839.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Louisville?

Moving containers from Chicago to Louisville will cost you $635 to $1,440 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,072 to $2,056. A larger home will cost $1,460 to $2,818.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Louisville?

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 $318 to $564. A larger move will cost $342 to $708, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Louisville costs from $431 to $836. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Louisville moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Louisville 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 Louisville.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Louisville

Cost of living: Chicago vs Louisville

Chicago Louisville
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,205
Average home value $306,098 $229,601
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $189,900
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,795
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,364
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
Sales Tax 10.25% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Louisville are 25% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Louisville are 25.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Louisville is 189.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Louisville is 79.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Louisville is 21.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Louisville is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Louisville are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Louisville are 9.09% lower than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,379.62 in Louisville 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 Louisville?

Louisville Chicago
Population 633,045 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 91 77
Bike friendliness score 79 72
Crime Index 57.04 35.19
Safety Index 42.96 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Louisville's population is about 77% less than Chicago.
  • Louisville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Louisville is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 91 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Louisville is more bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 79 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Louisville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 57.04 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 57.04% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Louisville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 42.96 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Louisville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Louisville

  • Weather: Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move..
  • 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: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Kentucky 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 Louisville. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options 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
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

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 Louisville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Beautiful Churches", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Louisville.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Butchertown
  • Clifton
  • Crescent Hill
  • Downtown
  • The Highlands
  • St. Matthews

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Bonnycastle
  • Clifton Heights
  • Crescent Hill
  • Hayfield Dundee
  • Highlands Douglass

What to do in Louisville

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

  • Louisville Slugger Museum
  • Louisville Mega Cavern
  • Kentucky Derby Museum
  • Churchill Downs
  • Cave Hill Cemetery
  • Louisville Slugger Field
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
  • Frazier History Museum
  • Louisville Zoo

Get your sports on!

Louisville is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
  • Louisville Bats (Triple-A East)
  • Louisville City FC (USL Championship)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Louisville

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

The best time to move from Chicago to Louisville is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 88ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF in Louisville.

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

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

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Learn more about Louisville