The best local movers for Fargo to Chicago moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Fargo that also handles long-distance moves to Chicago. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated seven local movers in Fargo who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Fargo to Chicago.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Midwest Moving Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- 5 Star Moving: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- The Apartment Movers: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Schiele Enterprise: 4.02 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 148
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3263587
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1087336
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 513176
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Fargo to Chicago?
The average hourly rate for movers in North Dakota is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,392 – $3,995 | $676 – $1,770 | $452 – $906 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,644 – $6,620 | $1,271 – $2,551 | $522 – $1,013 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,404 – $9,086 | $1,731 – $3,270 | $608 – $1,326 |
Cost to hire movers from Fargo to Chicago
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Fargo to Chicago will cost between $1,392 and $3,995. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Fargo to Fargo will range from $2,644 to $6,620, and a large move from Fargo to Chicago will cost from $4,404 to $9,086.
Cost of moving containers from Fargo to Chicago
If you’re moving from Fargo to Chicago, expect to pay between $676 and $1,770 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,271 up to $2,551. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,731 and $3,270. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fargo to Chicago
Renting a moving truck from Fargo to Chicago is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $452 and $906. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $522 and $1,013. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $608 up to $1,326 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Fargo to Chicago
The cost of Fargo movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,982, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,545.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Fargo, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($452–$1,124) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Fargo to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chicago runs about 133% higher for singles and 181% higher for families than Fargo.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Fargo versus $1,566 in Fargo; families pay $9,266 compared with $3,299.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fargo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $963 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,563 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,566 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,299 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.95% |
- Rent is estimated to be 94% higher in Chicago compared to Fargo; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Chicago and Fargo, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 20% higher in Chicago than in Fargo, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 133% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Chicago, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 181% greater than in Fargo.
- In Chicago, the unemployment rate is approximately 150% higher than in Fargo, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 37% in Chicago over Fargo, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 71% higher in Illinois than in North Dakota, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Fargo and Chicago:
| Living Expense | Fargo | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $159.44 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.00 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.25 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fargo than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fargo than in Chicago.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fargo than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Fargo than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fargo than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fargo than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Fargo than in Chicago.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Chicago
| Fargo | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,990 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 72 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 56.17 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago’s population is about 2080% greater than Fargo.
- Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Fargo’s score of 4.
- Chicago is more walkable than Fargo with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Fargo’s 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago’s crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 35.19 compared to Fargo’s 8.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Fargo with a score of 33.87 vs Fargo’s 56.17.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Fargo it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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: 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Chi-Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Illinois, it’s time to get out and discover what Chicago has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Chicago?
The best time to move from Fargo to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Chicago?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fargo to Chicago, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Fargo to Chicago take?
Moving from Fargo, ND to Chicago, covers 642 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Fargo movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chicago.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Fargo?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Fargo advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Fargo provide antique moving services. State totals show 9 piano movers and 4 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Fargo moving services
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