$1,361 Movers from Newark to Chicago

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL averages from $741 to $6,622 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Chicago, IL. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Newark guide.

Moving 780 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Newark to Chicago?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,361 - $4,740 $949 - $2,301 $685 - $1,291
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,678 - $6,622 $1,707 - $3,357 $741 - $1,533
4+ bedrooms $4,582 - $9,177 $2,290 - $4,377 $927 - $1,859
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 780 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Newark to Chicago will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

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Who Are The Best Newark to Chicago Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Newark to Chicago?

To ship furniture from Newark to Chicago with a mover will cost between $1,361 to $4,740. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,678 to $6,622, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Newark to Chicago will cost from $4,582 to $9,177.

How much are moving container companies from Newark to Chicago?

Moving containers from Newark to Chicago will cost you $949 to $2,301 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,707 to $3,357. A larger home will cost $2,290 to $4,377.

How much is a moving truck from Newark to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $685 to $1,291. A larger move will cost $741 to $1,533, and a 4+ bedroom move from Newark to Chicago costs from $927 to $1,859.

Is moving from Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL a good idea?

Cost of Living: Newark vs Chicago

Newark Chicago
Average rent cost $1,346 $1,595
Average home value $393,961 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $40,235 $65,601
Cost of Living (single person) $1,015 $1,001
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,390 $3,584
Unemployment rate 13.0% 9.0%
Sales Tax 6.63% 10.25%
State Income Tax 10.75% 4.95%
  • Rent Prices in Chicago, IL are 19% higher than in Newark, NJ.
  • Home Prices in Chicago, IL are 22.3% lower than in Newark, NJ.
  • Income in Chicago, IL is 63.0% higher than in Newark, NJ.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in Chicago, IL is 1.4% lower than in Newark, NJ.
  • Cost of Living for a family in Chicago, IL is 5.7% higher than in Newark, NJ.
  • Unemployment rate in Chicago, IL is 30.77% lower than in Newark, NJ.
  • Sales Taxes in Chicago, IL are 54.60% higher than in Newark, NJ.
  • State Income Taxes in Chicago, IL are 53.95% lower than in Newark, NJ.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,958.6 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Newark.

How is life different in Newark, NJ to Chicago, IL?

Chicago Newark
Population 2,746,388 311,549
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 9
Walkability score 77 76
Bike friendliness score 72 51
Crime Index 35.19 20.25
Safety Index 33.87 28.53
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chicago’s population is about 782% greater than Newark.
  • Chicago’s public transportation has a similar score to Newark.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Newark with a score of 77 vs 76.
  • Chicago is more bike-friendly than Newark with a score of 72 vs 51.
  • Chicago's crime rate is higher than Newark with a score of 35.19 compared to 20.25.
  • Chicago is considered to be safer than Newark with a safety index of 33.87 vs 28.53.
  • Air Quality in Chicago is Good, and in Newark it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime..
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Newark Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Flatrate Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
99 Evergreen Ave, Newark, NJ, 07114
(917) 781-3898
Alpha Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
234 16th St 2nd floor, Jersey City, NJ, 07310
(201) 656-6511

Visit our Best Movers in Newark page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago, IL

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods in Chicago to move to.

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

What to do in Chicago

Moving to The “Chi-Town”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

  • Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
  • Navy Pier
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  • 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Field Museum
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Wrigley Field
  • Chicago Pizza Tours
  • Oz Park
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Green Mill Jazz Club
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Second City

Get your sports on!

Chicago is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Chicago