($1,131) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Houston, TX

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Houston

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Houston typically costs between $1,131 and $4,629. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,399 and $5,704 when moving from Chicago to Houston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Houston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,907 up to $7,417.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Houston

If you’re relocating from Chicago to Houston, you’ll typically spend between $837 and $2,083 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,426 up to $2,995. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,006 and $4,068. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Houston

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Houston move, 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 $668 and $1,217. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $700 to $1,524. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $888 and $1,836.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Houston from Chicago, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 24% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• With home prices being nearly 11% cheaper in Houston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
• Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Houston and Chicago, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
• Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Houston. The cost of living for a single person is 24% less compared to Chicago.
• Relocating to Houston could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower than in Chicago.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 54% lower than Chicago, Houston boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are 20% lower in Houston than Chicago, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
• Texas 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.

• Houston’s population is about 16% less than Chicago.
• Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Houston is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Houston’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 63.5 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Houston is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 36.5 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Texas, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Houston without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Greenway/Upper Kirby
• Montrose
• Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

• Clear Lake City
• Friendswood
• Kingwood
• Memorial
• Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

Now that you’ve made the move to Texas, it’s the perfect time to explore Houston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Houston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.