Quick answer: A typical 471-mile move from Chicago to Nashville runs $534–$6,322 and takes one to four days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Nashville to Chicago guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Chicago to Nashville
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Chicago to go to Nashville can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to TN move
Local moving companies servicing Chicago to Nashville moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Nashville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Chicago to Nashville.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Nashville?
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 | $1,332 - $3,858 | $813 - $1,951 | $502 - $917 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,217 - $6,322 | $1,543 - $2,998 | $534 - $1,120 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,155 - $8,524 | $1,951 - $3,806 | $620 - $1,309 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Tennessee
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Tennessee, you can expect prices to land between $1,332 and $3,858. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,217 to $6,322 for the trip from IL to TN. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,155 and $8,524.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Tennessee
Moving from Illinois to Tennessee? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $813 and $1,951. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,543 to $2,998. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,951 up to $3,806. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $502 and $917. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $534 to $1,120. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $620 and $1,309.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Nashville
What to know before moving from Chicago to Nashville
Moving from Chicago to Nashville means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Nashville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Nashville so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Nashville | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,971 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $428,678 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $79,020 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $3,108 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $8,447 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.5% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.75% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Nashville are 4% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Nashville are 44.9% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Nashville, where incomes are, on average, 10.4% higher than in Chicago. Major employers in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Access Control Systems, and Bridgestone.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Nashville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 14.8% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Nashville can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville is 50.00% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Nashville, since the city's sales taxes in Nashville are 4.88% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Nashville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,555.92 in Nashville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Nashville
Nashville | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 689,447 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 9 |
Walkability score | 96 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 72 |
Crime Index | 49.1 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 50.9 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Nashville's population is about 75% less than Chicago.
- Nashville's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Nashville is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 96 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Both Nashville and Chicago have the same bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, meaning Nashville is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Nashville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 49.1 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Nashville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 50.9 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Nashville is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Nashville move
- Weather: Nashville has humid summers and generally cool winters typical of the Upper South. Spring and fall are prone to severe thunderstorms, which may bring tornadoes, large hail, flash floods, and damaging wind. Be sure to check your weather app before your move to avoid inclement weather.
- 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Nashville. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Nashville
Now that you've decided to make the move to Athens of the South, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Nashville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- Midtown
- Music Row
Best neighborhoods for families
- Belmont-Hillsboro
- Buena Vista
- Green Hills
- Lockeland Springs
- Oak Hill
Things to do in Nashville
Once you're settled into your new home in Tennessee, it's time to get out and discover what Nashville has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Nashville, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, RCA Studio B, and Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), or Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Nashville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Nashville 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 Nashville?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Nashville in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Nashville take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Nashville, TN covers 471 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Nashville.