($687+) Boston, MA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Boston, MA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $694 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,823 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 982 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 $2,184, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,823 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,172 - $4,021, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $694 - $1,959.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Boston, MA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,618 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Boston to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,618 - $5,872. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 982-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 982-mile route from Boston to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,184 - $5,022, container $1,172 - $2,200, rental truck $694 - $1,277, freight trailer $1,043 - $2,040.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,618 - $5,872, container $1,602 - $3,027, rental truck $772 - $1,580, freight trailer $1,306 - $2,372.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,353 - $7,823, container $2,095 - $4,021, rental truck $959 - $1,959, freight trailer $1,609 - $3,378.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 11, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 982-mile relocation from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $2,184 and $7,823. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $399 - $2,660, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Boston typically charge a base rate around $340 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Boston to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,184 - $5,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,618 - $5,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,353 - $7,823
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 Boston to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Massachusetts to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Add-ons and specialty services from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost (Boston to Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | You want the crew to box everything | $665 - $6,650 |
| Storage in transit | Your new place is not ready on arrival | $266 - $1,596/mo |
| Shuttle fee | A full-size truck cannot reach the door | $399 - $3,192 |
| Full-value protection | Coverage beyond the default $0.60/lb | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Shipments under about 2,000 lbs | $1,330 - $3,990 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,325 - $13,300 |
| Car shipping | Moving a second vehicle | $996 - $1,893 |
| Antiques & fine art | Climate control and white-glove handling | $1,330 - $3,325 |
| Piano | Upright, baby grand, or grand | $1,064 - $4,655 |
| Pool table | Disassembly and professional re-leveling | $399 - $1,995 |
| Hot tub | 500 - 900 lb units with electrical disconnect | $865 - $2,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled, vibration-safe transport | $399 - $19,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or VIP concierge | $399 - $4,655+ |
| Basic utilities | Ongoing monthly cost in Chicago | $191/mo |
| Internet | Ongoing monthly cost in Chicago | $64/mo |
| Cell phone plan | Ongoing monthly cost in Chicago | $61/mo |
What are the best full-service movers from Boston to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Boston, MA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,172 and $4,021. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Boston typically costs about $145/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Boston to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,172 - $2,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,027
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,095 - $4,021
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $100 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $200 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $931 in Boston, MA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Massachusetts 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 $1,172. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,602 - $3,027, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Boston to Chicago?
- PODS (4.8/5 stars): PODS is best for nationwide coverage. It runs the widest service network of any container company, with secure month-to-month storage and steel-frame containers you load on your own schedule.
- Units Moving & Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars): Units is best for locally owned service. Their steel containers come in multiple sizes that fit tight driveways, and locally owned branches mean you reach a live support team that knows your area.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat: 1-800-Pack-Rat is best for weatherproof storage. Their all-steel containers hold up well in transit and long storage windows, with flexible month-to-month terms when your move-in date slips.
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 Boston 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 Boston:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- StairHopper Movers (5.0/5), 23 years in business
- Exela Movers (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 982-mile move from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $694 and $1,959. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $416 - $475
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Boston daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Boston to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $694 - $1,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $772 - $1,580
- 4+ bedrooms: $959 - $1,959
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $694 - $1,959 when pricing out a rental truck from Boston to Chicago. Fuel alone runs ($416 - $475) , and overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $416 - $475 for the 982-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Boston, Massachusetts, for about 5 hours typically costs around $931.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 982-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $200 per night, adding $399 - $599 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $399.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Boston to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars): Budget Truck Rental is our pick for best value rental. Their base rates are typically the lowest among national truck rental companies, and Budget regularly offers discounts for online bookings, AAA members, and military.
- Penske Truck Rental (4/5 stars): Penske Truck Rental is the most reliable on this list. Penske maintains a newer fleet (averaging under 2 years old) and includes unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance on every one-way move.
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars): U-Haul Truck Rental is the best availability option. With more than 23,000 locations and 7 truck sizes ranging from 8 to 26 feet, U-Haul covers nearly every U.S. zip code and accommodates same-day pickups in most markets.
Freight trailer costs from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Boston, Massachusetts, 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 $1,306 and $2,372.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Boston to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,043 - $2,040
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,306 - $2,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,378
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Boston, Massachusetts, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $931.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $100 - $200 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Boston to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Boston, MA 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 Boston on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Boston, MA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 106 |
| Average rent | $3,400/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $710,400 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $94,755/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.0% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 98/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 60.12/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Boston, MA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed over 201 quotes from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 109 movers in Massachusetts, so you have real options to compare for this 982-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Boston, MA, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,184 - $7,823 on the 982-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,172 - $4,021 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $694 - $1,959 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,618 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Boston, MA, to Chicago, IL
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($416 - $475), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 98 and 86 in Boston. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $2,184 to $7,823, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,184 and $7,823, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Boston?
Local movers based in Boston typically start around $340 as a base rate, plus $100/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.
