($425+) Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $400 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,746 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,254, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,746 or more.
- Moving containers run $933 - $3,159, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $400 - $1,108.
- 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 $2,076 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
Moving options from Omaha to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,076 - $5,299 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 467 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
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 $1,254 - $4,024, container $933 - $1,821, rental truck $400 - $716, freight trailer $866 - $1,515.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,076 - $5,299, container $1,194 - $2,321, rental truck $435 - $903, freight trailer $1,024 - $1,991.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,660 - $7,746, container $1,602 - $3,159, rental truck $536 - $1,108, freight trailer $1,388 - $2,528.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,254 and $7,746. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 467-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Omaha and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Omaha tend to start around $154 plus $106/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Omaha to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,254 - $4,024
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,076 - $5,299
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,660 - $7,746
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Nebraska to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Omaha movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage31% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% 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 items54% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type92% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Select Van & Storage Co. | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect15% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: King's Moving | $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?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 $2,056 - $5,247. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Omaha, NE often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Select Van & Storage Co. (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Omaha, ranked #1 in Nebraska, based on our analysis of feedback from 244 customers, 89.3% 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 $933 and $3,159. 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: $933 - $1,821
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,159
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 $933. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,194 - $2,321, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Select Van & Storage Co. (4.9/5), 81 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 31 years in business
- Jim's Moving & Delivery Co Inc (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 467 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois, running $400 - $1,108. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- 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: $400 - $716
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $435 - $903
- 4+ bedrooms: $536 - $1,108
Pro tip: A rental truck from Omaha to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $400 - $1,108. But once you factor in fuel ($144 - $165) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Omaha, Nebraska, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 467-mile drive falls between $144 and $165, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $291 to your total.
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
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Omaha, Nebraska, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,024 and $1,991.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Omaha to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $866 - $1,515
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,024 - $1,991
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,388 - $2,528
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Omaha, Nebraska, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $73 and $146 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Omaha to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): Werner Enterprises, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
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 20 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 467-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 467-mile route from Omaha, NE, to Chicago, IL, run $1,254 - $7,746 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $933 - $3,159, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $400 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,076, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Omaha, NE to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
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.
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.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 48 and 42 in Omaha. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Omaha movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 92% of movers in Omaha handle piano moves, and 54% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
