Best overall value
Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
High marks for speed, professionalism, and careful handling set STI Moving & Storage apart from most competitors. In an analysis of 538 reviews, 68% reflect satisfied customers who consistently praise the efficient crews, friendly staff, and reliable communication. Many detail moves finished faster than expected, with careful packing and respect for belongings. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, delays in delivery—especially for long-distance moves—and surprise or higher-than-expected charges. Customers also note issues with complex claims for damage resolution. Neutral feedback highlights occasional late arrivals and some pricing misalignments, but still mentions professionalism from staff. Compared to industry standards, STI earns stronger praise for crew attitude and efficiency but faces similar criticism to peers regarding damage claims and delivery timelines. Most customers find their moves easier and less stressful thanks to STI's organized and diligent teams, though potential clients should review policies closely for long-distance or specialty needs.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving magic happens when speed meets service—New City Moving delivers exactly that, according to 1,451 pieces of customer feedback analyzed. With 92.4% positive reviews, most customers rave about the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and quick turnaround—which set them apart from many competitors. A high number praised clear communication throughout the move. While affordability and responsiveness also stood out, some reported problems. About 6% said their main issue was damage to their belongings, unexpected charges, or struggles resolving complaints when things went wrong. Only 1.8% of feedback landed in the neutral zone, typically due to minor organizational or packing concerns rather than major failures. New City Moving earns above-average praise for efficiency and professionalism compared to other moving services, but a handful of customers cite billing, compensation, or damage disputes where they wanted swifter or better follow-up. For most, the company’s efforts made moving faster, simpler, and safer.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving day just got easier for H2H customers. Out of 640 real customer reviews analyzed, a remarkable 88% delivered positive feedback, placing H2H Movers above most competitors in the moving industry. Clients most frequently highlighted the company’s efficient service, careful handling of possessions, professional and polite staff, great communication, and a quick moving process. People appreciated teams who arrived on time, completed moves ahead of schedule, and made stressful relocations feel manageable, often noting that quoted prices were accurate or even lower than expected. On the other hand, the most common complaints were unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers reported being billed more than their estimates due to extra fees or poor packing, and some faced slow resolution for claims or communication gaps after their move. While some neutral reviews cited problems with lost items or payment methods, these were far less frequent than the praise received. H2H Movers stands out with efficient, reliable, and friendly crews—a reputation that exceeds the service level of many moving companies, though attention to transparent billing and timeliness could make experiences even better.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company makes relocations easier than expected. After analyzing 1,349 reviews, 92.5% of feedback for The Professionals Moving Specialists is positive. Customers routinely highlight efficient service, careful handling of belongings, moving crews that work quickly, a professional attitude, and clear communication. People appreciate arriving on time, speedy completion, and the rare occurrence of damage compared to other movers. The overwhelming majority find the booking process straightforward, pricing fair, and the teams respectful of property and special requests. Some input does point to a few drawbacks: complaints about items being scratched or dented, final charges being higher than expected due to extra materials or time, and unexpected add-ons. These issues are reported far less often than praise for skilled, polite, and diligent crews. Compared to most moving companies, The Professionals stand out with stronger reliability and care for customer property. If dependability, efficiency, and peace of mind are top priorities, this company outperforms many local competitors.
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
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving with Alliance Moving & Storage feels like a breath of fresh air: 247 customer feedback entries were analyzed, with a remarkable 95.5% being positive. Most people describe the company as efficient, careful with belongings, highly professional, and quick. Customers consistently mention respectful staff and clear, reliable communication throughout the process. Affordable, transparent pricing and rapid scheduling compared favorably versus rival companies. On the downside, a minority report unexpected charges, occasional damage to items, or trouble reaching someone after problems arose. Issues like last-minute price increases or lack of follow-up were sometimes cited by dissatisfied customers. Negative experiences remain much less common than positive ones. Compared with typical moving companies, Alliance stands out for speed, professionalism, and care, though some customers recommend confirming all charges up front to prevent misunderstandings.
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
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Billings
What to know before moving from Chicago to Billings
Moving from Chicago to Billings 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 Billings, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Billings so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Chicago | Billings | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $381,592 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $63,515 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $1,773 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $4,536 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 6.75% |
- Rent prices in Billings are 36% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Billings are 29.0% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Billings is 11.2% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Billings — including Billings Clinic, First Interstate BancSystem, and The Waggoners Trucking — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Billings. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 51.4% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Billings 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 51.0% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Billings is 54.44% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Billings, since the city's sales taxes in Billings are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Billings are 36.36% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,458.06 in Billings to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Billings
| Billings | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 48.63 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 50.37 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Billings might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 93% less than Chicago.
- Getting around Billings without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Billings has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Billings neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Billings isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Billings, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Billings earned a 47. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Billings is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 48.63 in Billings, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Billings than in Chicago, based on Billings's safety index of 50.37 versus 33.87 for Chicago. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Billings and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Billings move
- Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Billings, while December and January are the least comfortable months.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Montana, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Billings Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Billings
With your sights set on Magic City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Billings.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Billings
- South Park
- Poly Vista
- North Park
- Shiloh Crossing
Best neighborhoods for families
- Josephine Crossing
- West End
- Heights
- Briarwood
- Ironwood Estates
Things to do in Billings
Now that you've made the move to Montana it's the perfect time to explore Billings From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Billings features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Moss Mansion, Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, Yellowstone County Museum, and Wise Wonders Children's Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's The Rimrocks, ZooMontana, DanWalt Gardens, and Pictograph Cave State 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 Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (GNAC) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Billings?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Chicago to Billings. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Billings?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Billings moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Billings take?
Covering 1,247 miles, the move from Chicago, IL to Billings, MT typically takes two to eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Billings can help bridge the gap.
