$1,124 Movers From Chicago to New York City

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY averages from $586 to $5,976 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to New York City, NY.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from New York City to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to New York City resources

Moving 790 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to New York City?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,124 - $3,993 $822 - $1,841 $588 - $1,022
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,233 - $5,976 $1,480 - $2,825 $586 - $1,226
4+ bedrooms $3,978 - $8,205 $1,908 - $3,574 $811 - $1,612
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 790 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to New York City will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to New York City?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to New York City will cost between $1,124 to $3,993. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,233 to $5,976, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to New York City will cost from $3,978 to $8,205.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to New York City?

Moving containers from Chicago to New York City will cost you $822 to $1,841 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,480 to $2,825. A larger home will cost $1,908 to $3,574.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to New York City?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $588 to $1,022. A larger move will cost $586 to $1,226, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to New York City costs from $811 to $1,612. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to New York City moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to New York City is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to New York City.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to New York City

Cost of living: Chicago vs New York City

Chicago New York City
Average rent cost $1,595 $4,000
Average home value $306,098 $729,936
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $75,624
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $1,594
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $5,883
Unemployment rate 9.0% 11.2%
Sales Tax 10.25% 8.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 10.9%
  • Rent prices in New York City are 151% higher than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in New York City are 138.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in New York City is 15.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in New York City is 59.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in New York City is 64.1% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in New York City is 24.44% higher than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in New York City are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in New York City are 120.20% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $4,777.22 in New York City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to New York City?

New York City Chicago
Population 8,804,190 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 9
Walkability score 88 77
Bike friendliness score 69 72
Crime Index 49.94 35.19
Safety Index 50.06 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • New York City's population is about 221% greater than Chicago.
  • New York City's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
  • New York City is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 88 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • New York City is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • New York City's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.94 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that New York City neighborhoods are safer than 49.94% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • New York City is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.06 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in New York City is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to New York City

  • Weather: New York City tends to have chilly and damp winters and rather hot summers. New York City tends to have warm and humid summers with mixes of rain, and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The city is generally cloudy year-round. Temperatures typically vary from 26°F to 887°F. Temps are rarely below 10°F or above 95°F..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: New York is one of the busiest moving states in the country, and local and intrastate moving companies operating within the Empire State are regulated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to New York City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in New York City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Big Apple", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in New York City.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Astoria, Queens
  • Lower East Side, Manhattan
  • Murray Hill, Manhattan
  • Upper East Side, Manhattan
  • Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Battery Park City, Manhattan
  • Forest Hills, Queens
  • Great Kills, Staten Island
  • Park Slope, Brooklyn
  • Riverdale, Bronx

What to do in New York City

These are some of the best things to do in your new New York home.

  • Central Park
  • Empire State Building
  • Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
  • Times Square
  • Broadway
  • Fifth Avenue
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Get your sports on!

New York City is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
  • Long Island Nets (NBA G League)
  • New York City FC (MLS)
  • New York Giants (NFL)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • New York Jets (NFL)
  • New York Knicks (NBA)
  • New York Liberty (WNBA)
  • New York Mets (MLB)
  • New York Rangers (NHL)
  • New York Red Bulls (MLS)
  • New York Yankees (MLB)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to New York City

When is the best time to move from Chicago to New York City?

The best time to move from Chicago to New York City is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 26ºF in New York City.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to New York City?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to New York City in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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