Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Albuquerque typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,337 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Albuquerque
Moving from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM typically costs $2,900–$6,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,337-mile move from Chicago to Albuquerque, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $2,571 for a 3 bedroom using a moving container.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,552 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,473 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 03, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 22, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Albuquerque
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,400, but larger homes can run up to $9,800.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($900–$2,500) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Albuquerque movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Albuquerque
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Albuquerque, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→NM movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Albuquerque
Many movers find Albuquerque easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 42% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,111 for one person in Albuquerque versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,353 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,189 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,321 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $329,595 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $61,503 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,111 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,353 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.63% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.9% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 39% lower in Albuquerque than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 11% higher in Albuquerque than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 14% less in Albuquerque than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Albuquerque, where the cost of living for a single person is 42% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Albuquerque could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 42% less than in Chicago.
- Albuquerque experiences an unemployment rate that is about 18% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 26% lower in Albuquerque than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Albuquerque can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 19% higher in New Mexico compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Albuquerque:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Albuquerque |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $181.47 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $53.75 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.47 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $17.41 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $44.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Albuquerque.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Albuquerque
| Chicago | Albuquerque | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 564,559 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 61 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 71.72 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 28.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Albuquerque's population is about 79% less than Chicago.
- Albuquerque's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Albuquerque is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Albuquerque has a bike-friendliness score of 61 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Albuquerque's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 71.72 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Albuquerque neighborhoods are safer than 71.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Albuquerque is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 28.28 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Albuquerque is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Albuquerque move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a New Mexico moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While New Mexico doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Albuquerque smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Albuquerque
Now that you've chosen Burque as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Albuquerque to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Nob HIll
- Downtown
- Balloon Fiesta
- Old Town
- Eastside
- Uptown
- Westside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Academy Hills Park
- Altura
- Bear Canyon
- Glenwood Hills
- Heritage East
- Kachina Hills
- Mirabella
- North Valley
- Ventana Ranch
- Vista Del Mundo
Things to do in Albuquerque
After getting comfortable in your new New Mexico home, it's time to see what Albuquerque is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Albuquerque offers cultural landmarks like the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, Explora Science Center and Children's Museum, and New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Elena Gallegos Park, Volcano Park, Los Poblanos Open Space, and Tiguex Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A West)New Mexico United (USL Championship)Duke City Gladiators (Indoor Football League)New Mexico Lobos (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Albuquerque?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Albuquerque are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Albuquerque?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Albuquerque are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Albuquerque take?
A move of 1,337 miles from Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Albuquerque is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
