The best local movers for Chicago to Fargo moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Chicago that also handles long-distance moves to Fargo. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 68 local movers in Chicago who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Chicago to Fargo.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
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 #: 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 #: 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
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Fargo?
The average hourly rate for movers in Illinois is $113. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,082 – $3,466 | $726 – $1,787 | $489 – $836 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,118 – $5,198 | $1,322 – $2,402 | $487 – $1,055 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,742 – $7,121 | $1,612 – $3,109 | $627 – $1,300 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Fargo
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Fargo will cost between $1,082 and $3,466. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to Chicago will range from $2,118 to $5,198, and a large move from Chicago to Fargo will cost from $3,742 to $7,121.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Fargo
If you’re moving from Chicago to Fargo, expect to pay between $726 and $1,787 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,322 up to $2,402. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,612 and $3,109. 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 Chicago to Fargo
Renting a moving truck from Chicago to Fargo is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $489 and $836. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $487 and $1,055. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $627 up to $1,300 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Fargo
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,719, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $6,353.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($489–$1,124) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Fargo
Many movers find Fargo easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 57% less for singles and 64% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,566 for one person in Fargo versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $3,299 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $963 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,563 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $287,548 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $59,493 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,566 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $3,299 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 2.9% |
- If you’re heading to Fargo from Chicago, you’ll find that rent is roughly 48% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Fargo and Chicago, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 17% lower in Fargo compared to Chicago.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Fargo. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 57% lower than in Chicago.
- Choosing to move to Fargo can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 64% less than in Chicago.
- Fargo enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 60% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 27% in Fargo compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 41% less in North Dakota than in Illinois. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Fargo:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Fargo |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $159.44 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $54.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.00 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.25 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Fargo.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Fargo.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Fargo.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Fargo.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Fargo.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Fargo.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Fargo.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Fargo
| Chicago | Fargo | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 125,990 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 49 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 8.0 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 56.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fargo’s population is about 95% less than Chicago.
- Fargo’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Fargo is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Fargo has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Fargo’s crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 8.0 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Fargo is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 56.17 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Fargo is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Fargo move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: All local and intrastate movers operating in the Flickertail State are regulated by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Each mover in good standing is issued an NDDOT Number, which consumers may check the status and validity of by calling the phone number listed below. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Dakota moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: North Dakota doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 Fargo. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, providing minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your selected moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Fargo
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Fargo, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fargo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Longfellow
- Rose Creek
- Southpointe
- Stonebridge
- Lincoln
- Horace Mann
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rose Creek
- Longfellow
- Southpointe
- Centennial
- Pointe West
- Woodhaven
Things to do in Fargo
Once you’re settled into your new home in North Dakota, it’s time to get out and discover what Fargo has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fargo, such as the Fargo Air Museum, Roger Maris Museum, and Plains Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lindenwood Park, Rheault Farm, Northern Plains Botanic Garden Society, and Broadway Square — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fargo Force (USHL)North Dakota State Bison (Summit League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Fargo?
The best time to move from Chicago to Fargo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Fargo?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Fargo, 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 Fargo take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Fargo, covers 648 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 Fargo.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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