$1,282 Movers from North Carolina to Chicago, IL

Quick Answer: The cost to move from North Carolina to Chicago, IL averages from $690 to $6,231 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Chicago, IL.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Movers Cost: Chicago, IL to North Carolina guide.

Moving from North Carolina to Chicago, IL

Moving 792 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best North Carolina to Chicago, IL Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How Much do Movers Cost?

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What is the average cost to move from North Carolina to Chicago, IL?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,282 - $4,460 $884 - $2,143 $638 - $1,203
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,521 - $6,231 $1,590 - $3,126 $690 - $1,428
4+ bedrooms $4,312 - $8,637 $2,133 - $4,076 $864 - $1,732
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 792 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.

The cost to move from North Carolina to Chicago, IL will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from North Carolina to Chicago, IL?

To ship furniture from North Carolina to Chicago with a mover will cost between $1,282 to $4,460. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from Chicago to IL will range from $2,521 to $6,231, and a large move from North Carolina to Chicago will cost from $4,312 to $8,637.

How much are moving containers like PODS from North Carolina to Chicago, IL?

Moving pods from North Carolina to Chicago will cost you $884 to $2,143 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,590 to $3,126. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,133 to $4,076.

How much is a moving truck from North Carolina to Chicago, IL?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $638 to $1,203. A larger move will cost $690 to $1,428, and a 4+ bedroom move from North Carolina to Chicago costs from $864 to $1,732.

Is moving from North Carolina to Chicago, IL a good idea?

Cost of Living: North Carolina vs Chicago, IL

North Carolina Chicago
Average rent cost $907 $1,595
Average home value $282,312 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $54,602 $65,601
Unemployment rate 3.7% 9.0%
State Income Tax 5.25% 4.95%
  • Rent is about 76% more expensive in Chicago than in North Carolina.
  • Home prices are about 8.4% higher in Chicago than in North Carolina.
  • The average income is about 20.1% higher in Chicago than in North Carolina.
  • Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than North Carolina by about 143.2%.
  • Income taxes are 5.71% lower in Chicago than in North Carolina.

How is life different in Chicago from North Carolina?

Chicago North Carolina
Population 2,746,388 10,439,388
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 50-49
Summer High 84ºF 88ºF
Winter Low 19ºF 29ºF
Annual Rain 38" 48"
Annual Snow 35" 4"
Crime Index 35.19 26.87
  • The population of Chicago is approximately 74% lower than the population of North Carolina.
  • In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and North Carolina voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in North Carolina, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and North Carolina gets down to 29ºF.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 48 inches of rainfall in North Carolina.
  • In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 4 inches of snow in North Carolina.
  • Chicago has a higher crime rate than North Carolina with a crime index of 35.19 vs 26.87.

Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Illinois. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local North Carolina movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Miracle Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2828 Industrial Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27609
(919) 656-4043
Hilldrup Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
1325 Carrier Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28216
(704) 486-8429

Visit our Best Movers in North Carolina page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Comparing the pros of North Carolina vs. Chicago, IL:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in North Carolina vs Chicago side-by-side.

Pros of living in North Carolina Pros of living in Chicago, IL
Great communities Bountiful arts and recreational activities
Low cost of living Delicious food
Ample economic opportunity Abundant entertainment
High quality of life Intense sports culture
Bountiful recreational opportunities Ample economic opportunity

Comparing the cons of living in North Carolina vs. Chicago, IL:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving North Carolina for Chicago.

Cons of living in North Carolina Cons of living in Chicago, IL
Hurricanes High crime rate
Bland weather Temperamental weather
High crime rate Terrible traffic
High tax burden High taxes
Poor education Pollution

Need a local Chicago mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
4305 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(847) 378-4949

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Chicago?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.

Museums in Chicago

  • The Field Museum
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Museum of Contemporary Photography
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Smart Museum of Art
  • The Oriental Institute Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • DuSable Museum of African American History
  • The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
  • National Museum of Mexican Art

Parks in Chicago

  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • The 606
  • Lincoln Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Jackson Park
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • South Shore Cultural Center Park
  • Humboldt Park
  • Douglass Park

Sports Teams in Chicago

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Universities in Chicago

  • Chicago State University
  • Governors State University
  • Northeastern Illinois University
  • Northern Illinois University
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Aurora University
  • Benedictine University
  • Concordia University Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Dominican University
  • East–West University
  • Elmhurst University
  • Illinois Institute of Technology
  • Judson University
  • Kendall College
  • Lewis University
  • Loyola University Chicago
  • Midwestern University
  • National Louis University
  • National University of Health Sciences
  • North Park University
  • Northwestern University
  • Resurrection University
  • Roosevelt University
  • Saint Xavier University
  • Trinity International University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of St. Francis
  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Carolina to Chicago?

Because of the 792 move, it’s best to book your move from North Carolina to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally you’d book your move 2 to 3 months ahead of time.

What time of year is cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from North Carolina during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long distance moving companies from Chicago?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long distance movers in Chicago.

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Learn more about Chicago, IL