($688+) Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $648 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,558 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 968 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,138, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,558 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,137 - $3,853, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $648 - $1,828.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lafayette, LA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,489 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

Moving options from Lafayette to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,489 - $6,201 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 968-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 968-mile route from Lafayette to Chicago, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,138 - $5,216 $1,137 - $2,155 $648 - $1,239 $1,131 - $1,939
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,489 - $6,201 $1,601 - $2,903 $686 - $1,533 $1,182 - $2,396
4+ bedrooms $4,074 - $8,558 $2,178 - $3,853 $887 - $1,828 $1,743 - $3,082

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

Hiring full-service movers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,138 and $8,558. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 968-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $289 - $1,928, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Lafayette and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Lafayette tend to start around $260 plus $260/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lafayette to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,138 - $5,216
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,489 - $6,201
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,074 - $8,558

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Lafayette to Chicago.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of Lafayette movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$482 - $4,820
Storage in transitNew place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$193 - $1,157/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$289 - $2,314
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers$964 - $2,892
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,410 - $9,640
Car shippingSecond vehicle$722 - $1,372
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items50% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Acadiana Movers$964 - $2,410
PianoAny piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$771 - $3,374
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$289 - $1,446
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: $627 - $1,928
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$289 - $14,460+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$289 - $3,374+

What are the best full-service movers from Lafayette to Chicago?

Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Lafayette, LA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

Moving containers from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,137 and $3,853. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Lafayette runs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lafayette to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $2,155
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,601 - $2,903
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,178 - $3,853

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Lafayette, LA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $675, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $72 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $145 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Lafayette, LA, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,137. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,601 - $2,903, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Lafayette to Chicago?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Lafayette to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Lafayette:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 14 years in business
  • A & L Movers (4.5/5), 11 years in business
  • Acadiana Movers (4.4/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

A rental truck for this 968-mile move from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $648 and $1,828. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $297 - $339
  • Daily insurance: $29/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Lafayette daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Lafayette to Chicago based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $648 - $1,239
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $686 - $1,533
  • 4+ bedrooms: $887 - $1,828

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $648 - $1,828 does not include fuel ($297 - $339) , lodging ($145/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Lafayette to Chicago typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $145 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Lafayette, Louisiana, usually costs about $675 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 968-mile drive falls between $297 and $339, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $289 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Lafayette to Chicago?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from Lafayette, LA to Chicago, IL

For larger DIY moves from Lafayette, Louisiana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,182 and $2,396.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lafayette to Chicago:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,131 - $1,939
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,396
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,743 - $3,082

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $72 - $145 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Lafayette, Louisiana, for about five hours typically runs $675.

What are the best freight companies from Lafayette to Chicago?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  3. Dupre Logistics, LLC (4.5/5 stars): Dupre Logistics, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.

Cost of living: Lafayette, LA vs Chicago, IL

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Lafayette on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Lafayette, LA Chicago, IL
Cost of living index90106
Average rent$2,825/mo$2,045/mo
Median home value$249,492$317,509
Average income$61,454/yr$75,134/yr
Unemployment rate5.8%9.0%
State income taxUp to 4.25%Up to 4.95%
Walkability score42/10077/100
Safety index54.25/10033.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Lafayette, LA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Louisiana alone has 29 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 968-mile move like this one.

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Our take

A move from Lafayette, LA, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,138 - $8,558 on the 968-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,137 - $3,853, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $648 - $1,828. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,489 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.

FAQs: Moving from Lafayette, LA, to Chicago, IL

How walkable is Chicago?

Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 42 and 47 in Lafayette. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?

For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?

In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.

What do local movers charge in Lafayette?

Local movers based in Lafayette typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $260/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

What percentage of Lafayette movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 50% of movers in Lafayette handle piano moves, and 50% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.