($303+) Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO, runs anywhere from $303 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,017 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 297 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 $969, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,017 or more.
- Moving containers run $875 - $2,709, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $303 - $788.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,471 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 St. Louis, MO
Moving options from Chicago to St. Louis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,471 - $4,198 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 28% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 297 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 297-mile route from Chicago to St. Louis, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $969 - $3,620, container $875 - $1,424, rental truck $303 - $526, freight trailer $796 - $1,268.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,471 - $4,198, container $1,053 - $2,100, rental truck $332 - $667, freight trailer $886 - $1,598.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,201 - $6,017, container $1,461 - $2,709, rental truck $414 - $788, freight trailer $1,146 - $2,085.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
For the 297-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, full-service movers cost between $969 and $6,017. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $292 - $1,944 (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 St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $969 - $3,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,471 - $4,198
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,201 - $6,017
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 St. Louis.
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 St. Louis, MO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In St. Louis, 68% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $486 - $4,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $194 - $1,166/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $292 - $2,333 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $972 - $2,916 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,430 - $9,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $728 - $1,383 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $972 - $2,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $778 - $3,402 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $292 - $1,458 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $632 - $1,944 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $292 - $14,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $292 - $3,402+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to St. Louis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Chicago, IL?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to St. Louis with a local mover averages $1,485 - $4,239. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Chicago, IL can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Mighty Moving & Storage (4.76/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 178 customers, 97.2% of which is positive.
Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri, cost between $875 and $2,709. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $875 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,053 - $2,100
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,461 - $2,709
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Chicago, IL, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $680, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Chicago, IL, and St. Louis, MO, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Missouri 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 $875. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,053 - $2,100.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to St. Louis?
- 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
- Windy City Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 44 years in business
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Plan on $303 - $788 for a rental moving truck on the 297-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $92 - $105
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 St. Louis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $303 - $526
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $332 - $667
- 4+ bedrooms: $414 - $788
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $303 - $788 does not include fuel ($92 - $105), lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to St. Louis typically runs more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $92 - $105 for the 297-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $680.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 297-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $292 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $292.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to St. Louis?
- 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 St. Louis, MO
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $886 and $1,598.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $796 - $1,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $886 - $1,598
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,146 - $2,085
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 $680.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 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 St. Louis?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to St. Louis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. Louis, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 106 | 84 |
| Average rent | $2,045/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $317,509 | $180,206 |
| Average income | $75,134/yr | $55,279/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 4.8% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 66/100 |
| Safety index | 33.87/100 | 30.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Missouri, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Illinois alone has 314 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 297-mile move like this one.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $969 for a studio to $6,017 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 297-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $875 - $2,709. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $303 - $788, 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 $1,471 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to St. Louis tend to point to rich culture and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though poor education and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include BJC HealthCare and Walmart.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to St. Louis, MO
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($92 - $105), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Missouri?
Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number.
What is the best time of year to move from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO?
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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is St. Louis a safe place to live?
St. Louis has a safety index of 30.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 69.65, 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.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.