Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Memphis typically costs $2,300–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 533 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Memphis
Moving from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN typically costs $2,300–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 533-mile move from Chicago to Memphis, 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
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $660 for a studio apartment using a rental truck.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $2,917 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $5,078 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 18, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Memphis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,400, but larger homes can run up to $9,000.
- 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 ($500–$1,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Memphis movers by type
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Memphis
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Memphis, 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→TN 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 Memphis
Many movers find Memphis easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 50% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,842 for one person in Memphis versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $4,402 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,187 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $1,571 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $143,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $48,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $1,842 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $4,402 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 8.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 36% lower in Memphis than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 51% lower in Memphis than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 33% less in Memphis than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Memphis, where the cost of living for a single person is 50% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Memphis 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 52% less than in Chicago.
- Memphis experiences an unemployment rate that is about 11% 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 similar in Memphis and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Memphis:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $213.78 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $58.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.12 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $2.83 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $19.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Memphis.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Memphis.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Memphis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Memphis.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Memphis
| Chicago | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 633,104 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 41 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 77.49 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 22.51 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 77% less than Chicago.
- Memphis's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Memphis is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Memphis has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 77.49 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 22.51 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Memphis is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Memphis 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Tennessee 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 Memphis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Memphis
Now that you've chosen Bluff City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Memphis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
After getting comfortable in your new Tennessee home, it's time to see what Memphis 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, Memphis offers cultural landmarks like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — 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 Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Memphis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Memphis 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 Memphis?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Memphis 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 Memphis take?
A move of 533 miles from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN generally takes one to six days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Memphis 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.
