Quick answer: The cost to move from Durham to Chicago ranges from $666 to $5,772 and the journey will take approximately two to seven days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 783-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Durham guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

For a move from Durham to Chicago, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 23 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.

We reviewed every Durham company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Durham made our final list.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from Durham to Chicago

Making the trip from Durham to Chicago is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.

We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Durham?toggle

Markets differ, and so do mover offerings. Scan this table to compare Durham with the broader NC landscape and national totals, helping you spot services that are common versus those that might be tougher to find.

Service Durham (Count) Durham (%) North Carolina (Count) North Carolina (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 24 100% 105 96% 2545 98%
Unpacking 24 100% 105 96% 2514 97%
Fragile-only packing 6 25% 28 26% 631 24%
Packing materials 18 75% 76 70% 1519 59%
Storage
Storage 20 83% 82 75% 2248 87%
Climate-controlled storage 8 33% 31 28% 823 32%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 10 42% 58 53% 1649 64%
Art 7 29% 40 37% 1271 49%
Antiques 5 21% 33 30% 1190 46%
Piano 16 67% 72 66% 1919 74%
Hot tub 6 25% 20 18% 585 23%
Pool table 8 33% 35 32% 845 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to IL movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 81 North Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Durham to Chicago journey

Organizing a move from Durham to Chicago can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Durham known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Durham to Chicago.

  1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Truckin' Movers Corporation: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. TROSA Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MiracleMoversRaleigh/, https://twitter.com/MMRaleigh
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Smooth moves and satisfied customers paint Miracle Movers as a standout among moving companies—of 255 reviews, 82.4% shine with positive feedback. Customers consistently praise the efficient service, careful handling, professional crews, speedy moves, and clear communication. Many note the company excels at protecting belongings and making stressful transitions feel easy.
On the other hand, the most consistent complaints are about damage to household items, slow or lacking responses to claims, and occasional unexpected or higher charges at billing. Despite these issues, negative comments account for less than one-fifth of feedback, considerably lower than industry averages. For most clients, Miracle Movers reliably delivers a prompt, safe move with friendly staff, putting it well ahead of many competitors who struggle with service consistency and trust.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 656-4043

Company Info

State license #: 2894

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2461529

Alternate Names: Miracle Movers of Raleigh, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
53% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving stands out for movers who work quickly, handle items with care, and maintain a friendly, professional attitude. Over half the feedback highlights a smooth, efficient moving process. Customers appreciate reliable scheduling, approachable staff, and fast service—traits that compare well to industry standards.
Some clients, though, face problems like damaged belongings, unexpected charges, or late arrivals. Main complaints point to carelessness with items, delays, and surprise fees. A number of customers also had trouble with customer service responsiveness during issues. While many would recommend Bellhop for efficient, courteous movers, those with damaged goods or billing issues experienced significant frustration. Out of 32 customer inputs, 53% were positive, suggesting the company often delivers strong results but still has areas needing improvement.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 246-4318

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/athensmovingexperts, https://twitter.com/athensmovingexp
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process.
Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/TruckinMoversCorporation?rf=173158259368098, https://twitter.com/TruckinMovers
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Thousands of Triangle-area customers agree—Truckin' Movers Corporation delivers a moving experience that's a cut above most competitors. Out of 263 customer feedback entries examined, a remarkable 93% described positive results. Repeated praise centers on professional and polite staff, careful handling of possessions, efficient service, clear communication, and fast moving processes.
Customers consistently note moves happening on time, accurate price estimates, and items delivered undamaged—even during complex interstate or international relocations. Negative input represents less than 7% of all feedback, and most issues involve items damaged in transit, inaccurate estimates leading to higher final bills, or delayed arrivals and deliveries. Some negative experiences also raise concerns about problem resolution and claims processes. Despite a few challenging moves, Truckin' Movers sets a high standard for reliability and care, with service quality that stands out among area moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 682-2300

Company Info

State license #: 2262

Years in Business: 48

DOT #: 0233952


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
,
85% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving doesn't get easier, but customers say TROSA Moving delivers some of the best service in the region. In this analysis of 323 reviews, 84.5% reflect positive feedback, showing that most customers value TROSA's efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlight affordable rates and quick, smooth moving processes—even for complex moves or specialty items.
A few reviews describe honest, responsive follow-up for minor hiccups, with frequent praise for thoroughness and reliability. Negative feedback, although much less frequent, centers on damage to items, communication lapses, and dissatisfaction with some staff interaction. Some customers reported careless packing, unresponsive customer service, or rude behavior during quotes or scheduling. Compared to other movers, TROSA stands out for going above and beyond to resolve complaints and for competitive pricing. The small portion of neutral feedback acknowledges both the care and quick response from TROSA, even if some minor issues required follow-up. Across the board, most reviewers recommend TROSA with confidence, especially appreciating their consistent professionalism and value.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 419-1059

Company Info

State license #: C-726

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 675014

Alternate Names: TROSA Inc., TROSA Moving & Storage, TROSA Lawn Care, TROSA Thrift, TROSA Moving, Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Trosa Furniture & Frameshop, TROSA Lawncare


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Durham to Chicago?

Durham movers charge $122 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,299 - $4,219 $870 - $2,069 $591 - $1,125
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,433 - $5,772 $1,519 - $3,170 $666 - $1,336
4+ bedrooms $4,078 - $8,842 $2,080 - $4,015 $867 - $1,688
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 783 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.

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to Illinois

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Illinois will cost between $1,299 and $4,219. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NC to IL will range from $2,433 to $5,772, and a large move from North Carolina to Illinois will cost from $4,078 to $8,842.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Illinois

When you're heading from North Carolina to Illinois, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $870 and $2,069. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,519 and $3,170. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,080 to $4,015. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Illinois

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $591 to $1,125. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $666 to $1,336, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from North Carolina to Illinois costs around $867 to $1,688.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Durham to Chicago (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,299, while larger moves may reach $6,868 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Durham,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $591 to $1,548), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Chicago

Monthly costs run higher in Chicago than in Durham — roughly 30% more for singles and 56% more for families.

Singles spend $3,648 vs. $2,803, and families $9,266 vs. $5,945.

Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:

Durham Chicago
Average 1 BR rent $1,875 $2,368
Average 3 BR rent $2,573 $4,581
Average home value $391,719 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $71,566
Unemployment rate 4.1% 9.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 4.95%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 20% higher than in Durham.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Chicago are 24.5% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Chicago is 81.9% lower than in Durham, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Chicago — including U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago — may pay more.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 30.1% higher than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 55.9% higher than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 119.51% higher than in Durham.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 36.67% higher than what you are paying in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 10.00% higher than in Durham.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Durham and Chicago:

Durham Chicago
Basic utilities $148.21 $191.26
Cell phone plan $51.67 $61.1
Dozen eggs $4.53 $4.52
Loaf of bread $3.66 $4.15
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $15 $25
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $70 $100
Gym membership $40 $78.31
  • Basic utilities cost less in Durham than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Durham than in Chicago.
  • Eggs cost more in Durham than in Chicago.
  • Bread costs less in Durham than in Chicago.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Durham than in Chicago.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Durham than in Chicago.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Durham than in Chicago.

How life is different in Durham vs. Chicago

Chicago Durham
Population 2,746,388 283,506
Transportation Score 9 4
Walkability score 77 30
Bike friendliness score 72 38
Crime Index 35.19 54.72
Safety Index 33.87 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago's population is about 869% greater than Durham.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Durham's lower score of 4.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Durham with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 35.19 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 33.87 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Illinois, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chicago Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've chosen Chi-Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

Now that you've made the move to Illinois it's the perfect time to explore Chicago From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Chicago features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Durham to Chicago?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Durham to Chicago. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Durham.

When is the cheapest time to move from Durham to Chicago?

Because spring and fall moves from Durham to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Durham to Chicago take?

The 783-mile journey from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Durham offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.

How many movers in Durham can handle specialty items for my move to Chicago?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Durham, 16 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of NC, there are 72 piano movers and 33 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 1919 and 1190 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources