Top Chicago, IL to Houston, TX Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Houston to Chicago guide.

1. New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
5. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Texas

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Texas, you can expect to spend between $1,481 and $5,592. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,079 to $7,320 on the same route (IL to TX). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Illinois to Texas typically runs between $5,374 and $9,320.

Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Texas

If you're relocating from Illinois to Texas, you'll typically spend between $1,117 and $2,491 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,926 up to $3,729. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,497 and $4,868. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Texas

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $831 and $1,711. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $983 and $1,996. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,198 up to $2,477 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent prices in Houston are 24% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
  Home prices in Houston are 10.8% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Houston is 2.4% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston — including H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 24.1% lower than in Chicago.
• A move to Houston 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 22.8% less than what it costs in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Houston is 54.44% lower than in Chicago.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city's sales taxes in Houston are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

• Houston might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 16% less than Chicago.
• Getting around Houston without a car might be more difficult than in Chicago. Houston has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Chicago is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Houston neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Chicago. Based on its score of 47 out of 100, Houston isn't as walkable as Chicago, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Houston, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chicago. While Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Houston earned a 49. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Houston is higher than in Chicago, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 63.5 in Houston, it is 35.19 in Chicago. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• Houston is generally as safe as Chicago, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Houston and Chicago is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
• 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company's license by visiting 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Houston Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.