($786+) Chicago, IL to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $786 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,785 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,252 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,079, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,785 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,259 - $4,504, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $786 - $2,068.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,556 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 Billings, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Chicago to Billings: 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 $2,556 - $5,895. Moving containers run about 38% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 66% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 3 to 8 days for this 1,252-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 1,252-mile route from Chicago to Billings, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,079 - $4,768 | $1,259 - $2,270 | $786 - $1,440 | $1,145 - $2,213 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,556 - $5,895 | $1,590 - $3,362 | $858 - $1,766 | $1,259 - $2,506 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,691 - $8,785 | $2,177 - $4,504 | $1,036 - $2,068 | $1,831 - $3,498 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Full-service movers for the 1,252-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana, cost between $2,079 and $8,785. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $305 - $2,032, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,079 - $4,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,556 - $5,895
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,691 - $8,785
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 Billings.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $508 - $5,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $203 - $1,219/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $305 - $2,438 |
| 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 | $1,016 - $3,048 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,540 - $10,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $761 - $1,446 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $1,016 - $2,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $813 - $3,556 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $305 - $1,524 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: New City Moving | $660 - $2,032 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $305 - $15,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $305 - $3,556+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Billings?
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Chicago, IL. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,259 and $4,504. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Chicago typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,259 - $2,270
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,362
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,177 - $4,504
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $152 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Billings, MT, 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 $711 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.
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 $1,259. 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 $1,590 - $3,362.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Plan on $786 - $2,068 for a rental moving truck on the 1,252-mile route from Chicago, Illinois, to Billings, Montana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $405 - $463
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- 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 Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $786 - $1,440
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $858 - $1,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,036 - $2,068
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chicago to Billings starts at $786 - $2,068, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($405 - $463), overnight lodging ($152/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $405 - $463 for the 1,252-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 $711.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,252-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $152 per night, adding $305 - $457 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $305.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
If you're moving a larger household from Chicago, Illinois, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Billings, Montana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,259 and $2,506.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,145 - $2,213
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,506
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,831 - $3,498
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $711.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $76 and $152 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Billings?
- 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chicago to Billings. 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 Billings, MT
Good news for your budget: Billings isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 95 there against 106 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 35/100 and 50.37/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 1 real quote from Illinois to Montana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 295 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 1,252-mile move.
Our take
The 1,252-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT, costs between $2,079 and $8,785 with full-service movers, $1,259 - $4,504 with a moving container, and $786 - $2,068 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,556 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Billings, MT
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Billings?
For families, Josephine Crossing, West End, and Heights are worth a look in Billings. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Billings, South Park, and Poly Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Billings?
Billings has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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.
Is Billings a safe place to live?
Billings has a safety index of 50.37 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.63, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 40% and 26% nationally.