Chicago, IL to New York Movers (2026 Costs)
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Based on moveBuddha's in-house pricing data, most moves from Chicago, IL to New York cost $2,280-$5,202 with full-service movers. The route is about 790 miles, and takes 2-7 days from pickup to delivery. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2026.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to New York?
Moving from Chicago to New York can cost as low as $571 for a small DIY move and as much as $7,210 for a large home using full-service movers.
See a full breakdown in the table below:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,636 - $4,280 | $1,107 - $2,017 | $571 - $1,004 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,280 - $5,202 | $1,395 - $2,610 | $617 - $1,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,750 - $7,210 | $1,835 - $3,299 | $765 - $1,549 |
Read our full guide on the cost of Chicago, IL movers.
See what others paid to move from Chicago to New York: The figures below come from moveBuddha's dataset of 1,500+ verified quotes. Your final price will depend on home size, timing, and add-ons.
Best Chicago, IL to New York Movers
- New City Moving (4.7/5 stars): New City Moving ranks as the best full-service option from Chicago to New York.
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units Moving and Portable Storage is the top container pick for this route. Units Moving and Portable Storage handles all the driving while you control the packing schedule, no truck rental required.
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is the best budget option for this move. Renting a truck and driving it yourself cuts out labor costs entirely. It's the right call for cost-conscious movers.
| Mover | Best for | Rating | 2-br starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New City Moving | Full-service moving | 4.7 | $2,280 |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | Moving containers | 4.3 | $1,395 |
| Budget Truck Rental | Rental trucks | 4.3 | $617 |
Read our full guide on the best Chicago, IL movers.
Living in New York vs. Illinois
Here's how New York compares to Illinois on cost of living, climate, and politics, so you know what to expect after the move.
| Illinois | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 100 |
| Average household income | $78,433 | $81,386 |
| Median home value | $249,224 | $482,742 |
| Average monthly rent | $1,179 | $1,507 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% |
| Summer high | 86°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 17°F | 16°F |
| Political leaning* | Democratic 55-45 | Democratic 60-40 |
*Based on 2024 presidential election
How to move from Chicago to New York
Use this Chicago-specific checklist to plan your 790-mile move to New York and compare movers with confidence.
- Estimate your Chicago to New York moving cost. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a ballpark for your 790-mile move from Chicago to New York. A 2–3 bedroom full-service move on this route typically costs $2,280 to $5,202, with smaller DIY moves starting as low as $571.
- Choose your moving method. Pick the option that fits your budget and how hands-on you want to be: full-service movers (they load, drive, and unload), moving containers (you pack, they haul), or a rental truck (cheapest, but you drive). Based on this route's 2-3 bedroom starting prices, containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service and rental trucks save around 73%.
- Compare Chicago interstate movers. 185 moving companies licensed for interstate moves operate out of Chicago, so vet each carrier carefully. Verify every company's USDOT number at FMCSA.dot.gov before booking and compare movers using moveBuddha's verified-quote data for the Chicago to New York corridor.
- Get quotes and book your move. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks of lead time. Interstate capacity in Chicago is deep enough that availability is rarely the constraint, so use the runway to negotiate rather than to chase open dates. Collect at least 3 written quotes, take a room-by-room inventory survey, and confirm whether each estimate is binding or non-binding before you commit. On this route, packing labor, long-carry or stair fees, and valuation coverage are the line items most likely to differ between estimates.
- Pack for a 790-mile move from Chicago. Start packing non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks before pickup. Declutter before you pack to reduce weight-based interstate costs on the 790-mile haul from Chicago. Label boxes by room, pack a first-night essentials bag for your car, and confirm your mover's policy on plants and hazardous materials.
- Settle in New York. After delivery in New York, update your driver's license and vehicle registration if required, transfer utilities before move-in day, update voter registration, and notify your bank, employer, insurance carriers, and the IRS of your new address within 30 days.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers using our moving cost calculator before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
FAQ
What's the cheapest way to move from Chicago to New York?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest way to move from Chicago to New York. A 2-bedroom move on this route starts around $617 with a rental truck company like Budget Truck Rental.
How far in advance should I book movers from Chicago to New York?
4 to 6 weeks out is typically enough time to book movers from Chicago to New York. With 185 interstate-licensed movers operating out of Chicago, availability on this route is generally good. Booking earlier gives you more leverage to compare quotes and negotiate pricing.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle piano and antique moves?
About 42% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.
What does it typically cost to move from Chicago to New York?
A 2-3 bedroom full-service move from Chicago to New York typically costs $2,280 to $5,202. DIY options like rental trucks and moving containers can bring that down significantly.
Is it cheaper to use a moving container, rental truck, or full-service movers?
Full-service movers cost the most but do all the work. Based on this route's 2-3 bedroom starting prices, moving containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service and rental trucks save around 73%, but you handle the loading (and driving, for trucks) yourself.
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