($565+) Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $565 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,427 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 780 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,602, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,427 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,044 - $3,334, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $565 - $1,504.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,146 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Newark to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,146 - $5,411 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 72% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 780-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 780-mile route from Newark to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,602 - $4,028 | $1,044 - $1,997 | $565 - $1,065 | $958 - $1,746 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,146 - $5,411 | $1,341 - $2,797 | $599 - $1,252 | $1,127 - $2,131 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,671 - $7,427 | $1,726 - $3,334 | $699 - $1,504 | $1,410 - $2,750 |
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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,602 and $7,427. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 780-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $370 - $2,468, 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 Newark and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Newark tend to start around $260 plus $120/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 Newark to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,602 - $4,028
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,146 - $5,411
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,671 - $7,427
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 Newark to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark 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 packing72% of local movers | $617 - $6,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $247 - $1,481/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $370 - $2,962 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,234 - $3,702 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,085 - $12,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $924 - $1,756 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,234 - $3,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $987 - $4,319 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $370 - $1,851 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $802 - $2,468 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $370 - $18,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $370 - $4,319+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Newark, NJ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,044 and $3,334. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Newark runs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,044 - $1,997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,341 - $2,797
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,726 - $3,334
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $864 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $93 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $185 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey 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 $1,044. 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 $1,341 - $2,797.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $565 - $1,504 for the 780-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $306 - $350
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $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 Newark to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $565 - $1,065
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $599 - $1,252
- 4+ bedrooms: $699 - $1,504
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $565 - $1,504 does not include fuel ($306 - $350), lodging ($185/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Newark to Chicago typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $185 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 Newark, New Jersey, usually costs about $864 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 780-mile drive falls between $306 and $350, 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 $62 and $370 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,127 and $2,131.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $958 - $1,746
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,750
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $93 - $185 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $864.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Newark to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 106 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 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 Newark, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from New Jersey to Illinois, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 315 movers in New Jersey, so you have real options to compare for this 780-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 780-mile route from Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL, run $1,602 - $7,427 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,044 - $3,334, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $565 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,146, 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 Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL
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 ($306 - $350), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $185/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 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $565 to $7,427, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,602 and $7,427, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.