($367+) Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $394 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,037 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 414 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 $1,162, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,037 or more.
- Moving containers run $967 - $3,031, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $394 - $1,030.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,870 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Minneapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,870 - $4,724. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 414-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 414-mile route from Chicago to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 - $3,865 | $967 - $1,706 | $394 - $717 | $828 - $1,474 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,870 - $4,724 | $1,202 - $2,280 | $424 - $850 | $1,020 - $1,806 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,079 - $7,037 | $1,610 - $3,031 | $486 - $1,030 | $1,287 - $2,283 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN
For the 414-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,162 and $7,037. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $319 - $2,128 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Chicago generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,162 - $3,865
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,870 - $4,724
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,079 - $7,037
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 Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Minnesota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Minneapolis, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $532 - $5,320 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $213 - $1,277/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $319 - $2,554 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,064 - $3,192 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,660 - $10,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $797 - $1,514 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,064 - $2,660 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $851 - $3,724 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $319 - $1,596 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $692 - $2,128 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $319 - $15,960+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $319 - $3,724+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Minneapolis with a local mover averages $1,814 - $4,583. A local mover in Chicago, IL is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations 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 Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $967 and $3,031. 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 Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $967 - $1,706
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,202 - $2,280
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,031
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $80 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $160 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Minneapolis, MN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $745 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Minnesota 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 $967. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,202 - $2,280, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Minneapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
Plan on $394 - $1,030 for a rental moving truck on the 414-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $140 - $160
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $394 - $717
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $424 - $850
- 4+ bedrooms: $486 - $1,030
Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Minneapolis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $394 - $1,030. But once you factor in fuel ($140 - $160) , overnight lodging ($160/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $745.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $140 - $160 for the 414-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $64 and $346, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $160 per night for hotel stops on the 414-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $319 - $479.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Minneapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
For larger DIY moves from Chicago, Illinois, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,020 and $1,806.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $828 - $1,474
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,020 - $1,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,283
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $80 - $160 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about five hours typically runs $745.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Minneapolis. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Minneapolis, MN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Chicago and Minneapolis to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 107. Average rent: $2,045/mo vs. $1,484/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 71. Safety index: 33.87 vs. 43.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Illinois to Minnesota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 103 movers in Illinois, so you have real options to compare for this 414-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Minneapolis, MN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,162 for a studio to $7,037 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 414-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $967 - $3,031. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $394 - $1,030, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,870 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Minneapolis, MN
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Chicago?
Local movers based in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, 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.
