Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Jersey City to Chicago typically costs $2,400–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 788 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Jersey City to Chicago
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,400–$5,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 788-mile move from Jersey City to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,934 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $5,511 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,418 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Jersey City to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Jersey City to Chicago may only cost $1,700, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Jersey City.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($600–$1,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Best Jersey City to Chicago movers by type
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Local
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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 Jersey City to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Jersey City to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NJ→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 86 New Jersey moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Chicago
Many movers find Chicago easier on the wallet than Jersey City - roughly 17% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,648 for one person in Chicago versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it's $9,266 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jersey City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,397 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,861 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 31% less expensive in Chicago than in Jersey City, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 50% cheaper in Chicago than in Jersey City.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Chicago and Jersey City are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Chicago. The cost of living for a single person there is 17% below that of Jersey City.
- A move to Chicago can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 6% lower compared to Jersey City.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Jersey City by about 8%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Chicago surpass those in Jersey City by 55%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 54% less in Illinois compared to New Jersey, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Jersey City versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Jersey City | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.73 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $80.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Jersey City than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Jersey City than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Jersey City than in Chicago.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Chicago.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Chicago
| Jersey City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 292,449 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 87 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 72 |
| Crime index | 43.21 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 56.79 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 839% greater than Jersey City.
- Chicago's public transportation score is within about 5% of Jersey City, making them very similar.
- Chicago is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Jersey City, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Jersey City with a score of 35.19 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Jersey City with a score of 33.87 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Jersey City it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chicago. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team 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 Jersey City to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jersey City to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Jersey City to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Jersey City to Chicago take?
The 788-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Chicago, IL, takes two to seven days. Some Jersey City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Jersey City movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Jersey City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 movers offer special pricing for military members. 9 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Jersey City?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 143 movers in Jersey City provide piano moving services. 116 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 60 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
