Chicago, IL to Boston, MA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Boston typically costs $2,700–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 983 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Boston
Moving from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA typically costs $2,700–$6,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 983-mile move from Chicago to Boston, 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
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,872 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $5,655 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,937 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 07, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Boston move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Chicago.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $2,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Boston 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 Boston
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Chicago to Boston much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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→MA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 100 Illinois movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Boston runs about 32% higher for singles and 22% higher for families than Chicago.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Boston versus $3,648 in Chicago; families pay $11,304 compared with $9,266.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Chicago | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 9.0% |
- Planning a move to Boston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 66% higher than in Chicago, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Boston are about 150% higher than those in Chicago.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 25% higher in Boston compared to Chicago, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boston, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Chicago. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 22% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Boston is about 31% lower than in Chicago. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 39% less in Boston relative to Chicago. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Massachusetts are 82% above those in Illinois. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Chicago and Boston:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Boston, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Boston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Chicago than in Boston.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Boston.
- 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 Boston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Boston.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Boston
| Chicago | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 86 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boston's population is about 75% less than Chicago.
- Boston's public transportation score is within about 5% of Chicago, making them very similar.
- Boston is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boston's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 39.88 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 60.12 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Boston 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Massachusetts’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boston
Planning your move to Athens of America? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
After settling into your new Massachusetts home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boston has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Boston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Boston?
Planning your move from Chicago to Boston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Boston?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Boston 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 Boston take?
The 983-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Boston, MA, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Chicago offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Boston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Chicago?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Chicago?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Chicago, 54 movers can manage piano relocations. 40 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Illinois has 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
