Quick answer: A typical 805-mile move from Raleigh to Chicago runs $790–$6,761 and takes two to seven days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

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

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Forbes
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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

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Best Professional Movers from Raleigh to Chicago

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Raleigh to go to Chicago can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

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

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

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 85 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 Raleigh to Chicago journey

Organizing a move from Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Chicago.

  1. Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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/LittleGuysRaleigh, https://twitter.com/littleguyshq
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy.
On the other hand, negative feedback—about 5.4%—focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Company Info

State license #: 2548

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1931566


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62% of all reviews were positive
35% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking.
On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/ExcelAllied/, https://twitter.com/excelms
78% of all reviews were positive
18% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team's politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected.
When compared to typical industry input, Excel's high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Show more
Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Company Info

State license #: 2311

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 076235


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
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

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

Raleigh movers charge $93 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 $1,411 - $4,808 $963 - $2,218 $682 - $1,260
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,689 - $6,761 $1,783 - $3,546 $790 - $1,623
4+ bedrooms $4,764 - $9,218 $2,417 - $4,494 $961 - $1,815
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 805 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

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to Illinois typically costs between $1,411 and $4,808. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,689 and $6,761 when moving from NC to IL. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from North Carolina to Illinois, you're looking at costs ranging from $4,764 up to $9,218.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to Illinois

Moving containers from North Carolina to Illinois will cost you $963 to $2,218 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,783 to $3,546. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,417 to $4,494. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to Illinois

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $682 and $1,260. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $790 to $1,623. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $961 and $1,815.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors that influence moving costs from Raleigh to Chicagotoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Raleigh to Chicago might cost as little as $1,411, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,151.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Raleigh, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $682 to $1,769 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Chicago

Moving from Raleigh to Chicago means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Raleigh than in Chicago, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Raleigh compares to Chicago so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Raleigh Chicago
Average rent cost $1,670 $2,045
Average home value $431,795 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $3,648
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $9,266
Unemployment rate 4.3% 9.0%
Sales tax 7.25% 10.25%
State income tax 4.5% 4.95%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 23% higher than in Raleigh.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
    Home prices in Chicago are 31.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 2,682.5% higher than in Raleigh. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Chicago. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 40.0% lower than in Raleigh.
  • 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 52.5% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 109.30% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 41.38% higher than what you are paying in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 10.00% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,800.89 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Chicago

Chicago Raleigh
Population 2,746,388 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 4
Walkability score 77 31
Bike friendliness score 72 39
Crime Index 35.19 38.87
Safety Index 33.87 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 487% greater than Raleigh.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago and Raleigh have a similar crime rate.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 33.87 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Chicago without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Chicago

Ready to relocate to Chi-Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Chicago.

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 is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at 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 Raleigh to Chicago?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Chicago are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh. are lower.

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

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Chicago in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Chicago take?

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL covers 805 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some Raleigh movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources