($828+) Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Albuquerque, NM, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $906 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,202 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,337 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,414, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,202 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,407 - $4,629, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $906 - $2,368.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Albuquerque, NM, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,014 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 Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Albuquerque 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 $3,014 - $7,627 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 1,337 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,337-mile route from Albuquerque to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,414 - $5,475 | $1,407 - $2,572 | $906 - $1,566 | $1,242 - $2,223 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,014 - $7,627 | $1,762 - $3,730 | $951 - $1,902 | $1,410 - $2,700 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,438 - $10,202 | $2,295 - $4,629 | $1,138 - $2,368 | $1,874 - $3,779 |
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 Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,414 and $10,202. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,337-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $293 - $1,952, 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 Albuquerque and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Albuquerque tend to start around $185 plus $80/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 Albuquerque to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,414 - $5,475
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,014 - $7,627
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,438 - $10,202
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 Albuquerque to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Mexico 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 Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Albuquerque 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 | $488 - $4,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $195 - $1,171/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,342 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $976 - $2,928 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,440 - $9,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $731 - $1,389 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $976 - $2,440 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $781 - $3,416 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $293 - $1,464 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $634 - $1,952 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,416+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Albuquerque 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,407 and $4,629. 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 Albuquerque typically runs around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Albuquerque to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,407 - $2,572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,762 - $3,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,295 - $4,629
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Albuquerque, NM and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $683 in Albuquerque, NM, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $73 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $146 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Mexico 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 $1,407. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,762 - $3,730, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 9 years in business
- Johnson Storage & Moving (4.3/5), 126 years in business
- K & J'z Moving Inc (4.2/5), 28 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,337-mile move from Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $906 and $2,368. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $415 - $475
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Albuquerque daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Albuquerque to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $906 - $1,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $951 - $1,902
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,138 - $2,368
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Albuquerque to Chicago starts at $906 - $2,368, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($415 - $475) , overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
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 Albuquerque, New Mexico, usually costs about $683 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,337-mile drive falls between $415 and $475, 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 $293 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,410 and $2,700.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Albuquerque to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,242 - $2,223
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,700
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,874 - $3,779
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $73 and $146.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for roughly five hours typically average $683.
What are the best freight companies from Albuquerque to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- THE Tire Welder, Inc. (4.58/5 stars): THE Tire Welder, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Albuquerque 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: Albuquerque, NM vs Chicago, IL
Albuquerque and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 92 in Albuquerque and 106 in Chicago, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $2,045/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (43 vs 77) and safety scores (28.28 vs 33.87) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Albuquerque, NM guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Mexico to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 19 movers in our New Mexico network to compare for this 1,337-mile move.
Our take
The 1,337-mile move from Albuquerque, NM, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,414 and $10,202 with full-service movers, $1,407 - $4,629 with a moving container, and $906 - $2,368 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,014 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Albuquerque, NM, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Albuquerque, NM 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 $951 - $1,902. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 28.28 and 71.72 in Albuquerque. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 Albuquerque, NM 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 percentage of Albuquerque movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Albuquerque handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
