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.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to IL move
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.
- Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 Chicago
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.
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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.