($291+) St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $291 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,672 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 297 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 $980, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,672 or more.
- Moving containers run $858 - $2,605, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $291 - $765.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,470 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. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Moving options from St. Louis to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,470 - $4,546 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 297 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 297-mile route from St. Louis to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $980 for a studio up to $5,672 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $858 - $2,605 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $291 - $765, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $750 - $2,023, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 297-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $980 - $5,672. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $278 - $1,856 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between St. Louis and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, St. Louis movers tend to run around $247 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $980 - $3,589
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,470 - $4,546
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,052 - $5,672
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. Louis to Chicago.
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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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $464 - $4,640 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $186 - $1,114/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $278 - $2,227 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $928 - $2,784 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,320 - $9,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $695 - $1,321 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage | $928 - $2,320 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $742 - $3,248 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $278 - $1,392 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $603 - $1,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $278 - $13,920+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $278 - $3,248+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in St. Louis, MO?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from St. Louis to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,499 - $4,636. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in St. Louis, MO 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.
ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.72/5 stars) is a local mover in St. Louis, based on our analysis of feedback from 273 customers, 83.5% of which is positive.
Address: 3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63129 | Founded: 1989
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $858 and $2,605. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in St. Louis typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $858 - $1,498
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,032 - $1,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,418 - $2,605
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $650 in St. Louis, MO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $139 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri 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 $858. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,032 - $1,977.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis 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. Louis 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. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Plan on $291 - $765 for a rental moving truck on the 297-mile route from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $88 - $100
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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. Louis to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $291 - $537
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $332 - $622
- 4+ bedrooms: $402 - $765
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $291 - $765 when pricing out a rental truck from St. Louis to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $88 - $100, and overnight lodging ($139/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $88 - $100 for the 297-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 St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours typically costs around $650.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 297-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $139 per night, adding $278 - $418 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $46 and $278.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis 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. Louis, MO to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from St. Louis, Missouri, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $851 and $1,664.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $750 - $1,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $851 - $1,664
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,146 - $2,023
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In St. Louis, Missouri, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $650.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $139 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 St. Louis 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.
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: St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $180,206 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $55,279/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 30.35/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 St. Louis, MO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 138 movers based in Missouri, handy for sizing up options on this 297-mile route.
Our take
A move from St. Louis, MO, 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 $980 - $5,672 on the 297-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $858 - $2,605, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $291 - $765. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,470 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 St. Louis, MO, to Chicago, IL
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 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 walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 66 and 58 in St. Louis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 30.35 and 69.65 in St. Louis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Louis, MO 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 percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.