($588+) 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 $7,642 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,749, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,642 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,756, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $565 - $1,579.
- 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 $2,343 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Newark to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,343 - $5,792. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 780 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,749 - $4,485 with full-service movers, $1,062 - $2,057 with a container, $565 - $1,118 with a rental truck, or $1,016 - $1,778 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,343 - $5,792 full-service, $1,508 - $2,852 by container, $648 - $1,238 by rental truck, or $1,172 - $2,372 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,854 - $7,642 full-service, $1,926 - $3,756 by container, $787 - $1,579 by rental truck, or $1,479 - $2,886 by freight.
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 Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,749 and $7,642. 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: $1,749 - $4,485
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,343 - $5,792
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,854 - $7,642
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark 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 packing98% of local movers | $617 - $6,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $247 - $1,481/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $370 - $2,962 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% 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 items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,234 - $3,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $987 - $4,319 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $370 - $1,851 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $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?
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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,062 and $3,756. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $2,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,508 - $2,852
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,926 - $3,756
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 $1,062. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,508 - $2,852, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 780-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $565 and $1,579, before these typical add-ons:
- 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 - $1,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $648 - $1,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $787 - $1,579
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $565 - $1,579 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 $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $864.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $306 - $350 for the 780-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $74 and $401, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $185 per night for hotel stops on the 780-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $370 - $555.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,111 and $2,372.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,016 - $1,778
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,172 - $2,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,479 - $2,886
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 Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $864.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $93 and $185 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Newark 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: 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 is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey 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. New Jersey alone has 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 780-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,749 - $7,642 on the 780-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,062 - $3,756, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $565 - $1,579. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,343 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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 Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
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.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, NJ 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 $648 - $1,238. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,749 to $7,642, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,749 and $7,642, 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 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 percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
