($361+) St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $361 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,615 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 397 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,194, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,615 or more.
- Moving containers run $900 - $3,042, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $361 - $933.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,849 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 St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Paul to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,849 - $5,445. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 397 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 397-mile route from St. Paul to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,194 - $4,159, container $900 - $1,682, rental truck $361 - $677, freight trailer $835 - $1,559.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,849 - $5,445, container $1,223 - $2,224, rental truck $409 - $843, freight trailer $959 - $1,872.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,024 - $7,615, container $1,604 - $3,042, rental truck $504 - $933, freight trailer $1,283 - $2,387.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 397-mile relocation from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,194 and $7,615. 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 $311 - $2,072, 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 St. Paul typically charge a base rate around $243 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,194 - $4,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,849 - $5,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,024 - $7,615
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 St. Paul to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul 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 packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $518 - $5,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $207 - $1,243/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $311 - $2,486 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,036 - $3,108 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,590 - $10,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $776 - $1,474 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,036 - $2,590 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $829 - $3,626 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $311 - $1,554 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $673 - $2,072 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $311 - $15,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $311 - $3,626+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in St. Paul, MN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from St. Paul to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,831 - $5,391. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in St. Paul, MN can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
Premium Moving Services (4.48/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in St. Paul, based on our analysis of feedback from 177 customers, 83.1% of which is positive.
Address: 949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN, 55119 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $900 and $3,042. 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 St. Paul runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $900 - $1,682
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,223 - $2,224
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,604 - $3,042
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $78 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $155 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 $725 in St. Paul, MN, 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 Minnesota 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 $900. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,223 - $2,224, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $361 - $933 for the 397-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $131 - $150
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- St. Paul daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 St. Paul to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $361 - $677
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $409 - $843
- 4+ bedrooms: $504 - $933
Pro tip: A rental truck from St. Paul to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $361 - $933. But once you factor in fuel ($131 - $150) , overnight lodging ($155/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $725.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $131 - $150 for the 397-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 397-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $466.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $932 and $1,872.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,559
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $1,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,387
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $155 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, typically costs $725.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from St. Paul to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: St. Paul, MN vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in St. Paul: cost of living index of 106 versus 102, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,350/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 60/100 and 49.14/100 in St. Paul versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to St. Paul, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota 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. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 397-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from St. Paul, MN, 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 $1,194 - $7,615 on the 397-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $900 - $3,042 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $361 - $933 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,849 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 St. Paul, MN, to Chicago, IL
What is the best time of year to move from St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($131 - $150), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/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 60 and 64 in St. Paul. 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 St. Paul, MN to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,194 to $7,615, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,194 and $7,615, 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 percentage of St. Paul movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in St. Paul handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
