($570+) Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA Movers
Moving from Chicago, IL, to Philadelphia, PA, runs anywhere from $587 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,642 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 759 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,706, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,642 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,151 - $3,453, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $587 - $1,466.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Philadelphia, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,254 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Chicago to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,254 - $5,592 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 759-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 759-mile route from Chicago to Philadelphia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,706 - $4,180 | $1,151 - $1,972 | $587 - $1,029 | $1,046 - $1,812 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,254 - $5,592 | $1,492 - $2,736 | $620 - $1,310 | $1,148 - $2,121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,915 - $7,642 | $2,000 - $3,453 | $747 - $1,466 | $1,555 - $2,908 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Full-service movers for the 759-mile relocation from Chicago, Illinois, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,706 and $7,642. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $316 - $2,104, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Chicago typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,706 - $4,180
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,254 - $5,592
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,915 - $7,642
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Chicago to Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing99% of local movers | $526 - $5,260 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co. | $210 - $1,262/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,525 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,052 - $3,156 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,630 - $10,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $788 - $1,497 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $1,052 - $2,630 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc | $842 - $3,682 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers | $316 - $1,578 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic | $684 - $2,104 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,780+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,682+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Pennsylvania, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Chicago, IL. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,151 and $3,453. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $1,972
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,492 - $2,736
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,000 - $3,453
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $79 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $158 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Philadelphia, PA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $736 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Pennsylvania move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,151. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,492 - $2,736, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chicago to Philadelphia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Chicago to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Chicago:
- Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
- H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
- Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck for this 759-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $587 and $1,466. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $254 - $290
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $587 - $1,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $620 - $1,310
- 4+ bedrooms: $747 - $1,466
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $587 - $1,466 does not include fuel ($254 - $290) , lodging ($158/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Chicago to Philadelphia typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $158 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Chicago, Illinois, usually costs about $736 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 759-mile drive falls between $254 and $290, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $53 and $316 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Philadelphia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,148 and $2,121.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,046 - $1,812
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,121
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,555 - $2,908
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $158 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Chicago, Illinois, typically costs $736.
What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Philadelphia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Philadelphia, PA
Good news for your budget: Philadelphia isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Chicago. Cost of living index runs 104 there against 106 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 77/100 and 33.87/100 here versus 75/100 and 33.91/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Pennsylvania over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 103 movers in our Illinois network to compare for this 759-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Chicago, IL, to Philadelphia, PA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,706 for a studio to $7,642 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 759-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,151 - $3,453. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $587 - $1,466, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,254 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Philadelphia, PA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,706 to $7,642, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,706 and $7,642, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 77 and 72 in Chicago. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($254 - $290), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $158/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
