Moving from Chicago, IL to Texas: Movers and Cost

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Texas averages from $812 to $6,333 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Texas to Chicago, IL guide.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Texas. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 1,126 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Texas?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,222 - $4,939 $909 - $2,220 $751 - $1,431
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,678 - $6,333 $1,628 - $3,257 $812 - $1,701
4+ bedrooms $4,492 - $8,469 $2,202 - $4,304 $1,020 - $2,071

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,126 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Texas will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

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Pick from the Best Chicago to Texas Movers

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company Quote Rating Price
Get A Quote
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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American Van Lines
Get A Quote
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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International Van Lines
Get A Quote
starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Texas?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Texas with a mover will cost between $1,222 to $4,939. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Chi-Town to TX will range from $2,678 to $6,333, and a large move from Chicago to Texas will cost from $4,492 to $8,469.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Texas?

Moving pods from Chicago to Texas will cost you $909 to $2,220 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,628 to $3,257. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,202 to $4,304.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to Texas?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $751 to $1,431. A larger move will cost $812 to $1,701, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Texas costs from $1,020 to $2,071.

How to ship a car from Chicago, IL to Texas?

If you're planning a move from Chicago to Texas and need to ship your car, it's important to find a reputable car shipping company. Look for top-rated companies that specialize in Chicago to Texas car shipping and compare quotes and services to find the right option for you.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company Quote Rating Price
starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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Ship a Car Direct
starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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Easy Auto Ship Logo
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Texas a good idea?

If you’re moving to Texas from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Texas

Chicago, IL Texas
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,045
Average home cost $306,098 $276,048
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $61,874
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 55% less expensive in Texas than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 12.1% lower in Texas than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 5.7% lower in Texas than in Chicago.
  • Texas has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 78.4%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Texas than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Texas?

Chicago, IL Texas
Population 2,746,388 29,145,505
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 52-46
Summer High 84ºF 94ºF
Winter Low 19ºF 36ºF
Annual Rain 38" 36"
Annual Snow 35" 2"
Crime Index 35.19 27.11
  • The population of Texas is approximately 961% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Texas voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Texas is 94ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Texas reaches the temperature of 36ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Texas vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Texas, it snows about 2 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
  • Texas has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 27.11.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Texas:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Texas side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Texas
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Ample economic opportunity
Delicious food Favorable climate
Abundant entertainment Delicious barbecue
Intense sports culture Low taxes
Ample economic opportunity Privacy and freedom

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Texas:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Texas.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Texas
High crime rate Severe weather
Temperamental weather Limited healthcare access
Terrible traffic High crime rate
High taxes Traffic issues
Pollution Politics

Considerations for moving to Texas

  • Weather: Although winters are mild, hurricane season during the summer months may affect your move..
  • 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: 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 verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to . Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote
starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Texas?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Texas.

Museums in Texas

  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument
  • USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
  • National Museum of the Pacific War
  • Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
  • The Buddy Holly Center
  • Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
  • The Alamo
  • George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Parks in Texas

  • Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
  • Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
  • Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
  • Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
  • Garner State Park, Concan
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat
  • Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Johnson City and Stonewall
  • Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon
  • Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site, near Comstock
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument, Waco

Sports Teams in Texas

  • Austin FC (MLS)
  • Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
  • Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
  • Dallas Stars (NHL)
  • Dallas Wings (WNBA)
  • FC Dallas (MLS)
  • Houston Astros (MLB)
  • Houston Dash (NWSL)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS)
  • Houston Rockets (NBA)
  • Houston Texans (NFL)
  • San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
  • Texas Rangers (MLB)

Universities in Texas

  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Texas A&M University
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Houston
  • The University of Texas at Arlington
  • The University of Texas at Dallas
  • The University of North Texas
  • The University of Texas at El Paso
  • The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Texas State University

Where to move in Texas

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Lone Star State," these are the best cities in Texas to move to.

Most popular cities to move to in Texas:

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