($401+) Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $401 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,529 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 467 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,217, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,529 or more.
- Moving containers run $916 - $2,835, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $401 - $1,004.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,920 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Omaha to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,920 - $5,252. Moving containers run about 36% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 77% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 467-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 467-mile route from Omaha to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,217 - $3,946, container $916 - $1,603, rental truck $401 - $725, freight trailer $825 - $1,517.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,920 - $5,252, container $1,231 - $2,166, rental truck $435 - $869, freight trailer $975 - $1,823.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,215 - $7,529, container $1,527 - $2,835, rental truck $516 - $1,004, freight trailer $1,209 - $2,315.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 467-mile relocation from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,217 and $7,529. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $291 - $1,940, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Omaha typically charge a base rate around $154 plus $106 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Omaha to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $3,946
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,920 - $5,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,215 - $7,529
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Omaha to Chicago.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Omaha movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing85% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs68% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items32% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NE) | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Omaha to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Omaha, NE?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Omaha to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,920 - $5,252. Working with a local mover based in Omaha, NE often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Select Van & Storage Co. (4.52/5 stars) is a local mover in Omaha, based on our analysis of feedback from 725 customers, 94.1% of which is positive.
Address: 8006 J Street, Omaha, NE, 68127 | Founded: 1945
Moving container costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $916 and $2,835. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Omaha typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Omaha to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $916 - $1,603
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,231 - $2,166
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,527 - $2,835
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $73 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $146 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $679 in Omaha, NE. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Nebraska to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $916. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,231 - $2,166.
What are the best moving containers Omaha to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Omaha to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Omaha:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 32 years in business
- King's Moving (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- 10 Men Movers (4.9/5), 4 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $401 - $1,004 for the 467-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $144 - $165
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Omaha daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Omaha to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $401 - $725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $435 - $869
- 4+ bedrooms: $516 - $1,004
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $401 - $1,004 when pricing out a rental truck from Omaha to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $144 - $165, and overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $144 - $165 for the 467-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Omaha, Nebraska, for about 5 hours typically costs around $679.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 467-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $146 per night, adding $291 - $437 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $291.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Omaha to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Omaha, Nebraska, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $975 and $1,823.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Omaha to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $825 - $1,517
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $975 - $1,823
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,209 - $2,315
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $73 and $146.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Omaha, Nebraska, for roughly five hours typically average $679.
What are the best freight companies from Omaha to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Omaha to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Omaha, NE vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Omaha on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Omaha, NE | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,295/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $229,350 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $72,708/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 6.64% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 48/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 54.28/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Omaha, NE guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Nebraska to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Nebraska alone has 41 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 467-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 467-mile move from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL, costs between $1,217 and $7,529 with full-service movers, $916 - $2,835 with a moving container, and $401 - $1,004 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,920 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL
What do local movers charge in Omaha?
Local movers based in Omaha typically start around $154 as a base rate, plus $106/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $401 to $7,529, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,217 and $7,529, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $435 - $869. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($144 - $165), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Omaha movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Omaha handle piano moves, and 32% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.