Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Baltimore costs $706–$6,852 and takes one to 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 702-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Baltimore to Chicago guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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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 Baltimore
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Chicago to go to Baltimore can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to MD move
Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Baltimore?
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 | $1,376 - $4,787 | $886 - $2,123 | $642 - $1,133 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,794 - $6,852 | $1,726 - $3,350 | $706 - $1,402 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,440 - $9,307 | $2,114 - $4,226 | $884 - $1,716 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Maryland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Maryland, you can expect prices to land between $1,376 and $4,787. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,794 to $6,852 for the trip from IL to MD. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,440 and $9,307.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Maryland
If you're moving from Illinois to Maryland, expect to pay between $886 and $2,123 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,726 up to $3,350. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,114 and $4,226. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Maryland
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $642 and $1,133. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $706 to $1,402. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $884 and $1,716.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Baltimore
What to know before moving from Chicago to Baltimore
Moving from Chicago to Baltimore means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Baltimore, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Baltimore so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,600 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $180,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $58,349 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.75% |
- Rent prices in Baltimore are 22% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Baltimore.
Home prices in Baltimore are 38.9% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Baltimore is 18.5% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore — including Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Baltimore. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 39.1% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Baltimore can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 45.1% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 12.22% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Baltimore, since the city's sales taxes in Baltimore are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Baltimore are 16.16% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,828.13 in Baltimore to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Baltimore
| Baltimore | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 585,708 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 64 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 53 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 72.72 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 27.28 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Baltimore's population is about 79% less than Chicago.
- Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Baltimore is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score 53 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Baltimore's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 72.72 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 27.28 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Baltimore move
- Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Maryland, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Maryland doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Baltimore without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen 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 Baltimore
Now that you've decided to make the move to America's Comeback Cit, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Baltimore.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
After getting comfortable in your new Maryland home, it's time to see what Baltimore is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Baltimore features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Baltimore?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Baltimore 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 Baltimore take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD covers 702 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Baltimore.
