Quick answer: The cost to move from Albuquerque to Chicago ranges from $1,169 to $8,750 and the journey will take approximately three to eight days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,336-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Albuquerque guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Albuquerque to Chicago
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Albuquerque to Chicago can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NM to IL move
The best local movers servicing Albuquerque to Chicago moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Albuquerque that offers long-distance services to Chicago can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Albuquerque who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Albuquerque to Chicago.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- K & J'z Moving Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Albuquerque NM Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Johnson Storage & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Kirk Moving Company, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 391383
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Quick N Easy Moving of Albuquerque, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 54736
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 1674023
Alternate Names: K&J'z, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 57
Alternate Names: Allied Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 123
DOT #: 286130
Alternate Names: Johnson Storage & Moving co. (900) L.L.C.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Albuquerque to Chicago?
Albuquerque movers charge $80 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,660 - $6,888 | $1,163 - $2,739 | $1,060 - $1,967 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,747 - $8,750 | $2,039 - $4,324 | $1,169 - $2,386 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,620 - $11,691 | $2,767 - $5,354 | $1,442 - $2,997 |
Cost to hire movers from New Mexico to Illinois
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New Mexico to Illinois will cost between $1,660 and $6,888. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NM to IL will range from $3,747 to $8,750, and a large move from New Mexico to Illinois will cost from $6,620 to $11,691.
Cost of moving containers from New Mexico to Illinois
If you're relocating from New Mexico to Illinois, you'll typically spend between $1,163 and $2,739 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,039 up to $4,324. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,767 and $5,354. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from New Mexico.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Mexico to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,060 and $1,967 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,169 to $2,386. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,442 to $2,997.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Albuquerque to Chicago move
What to know before moving from Albuquerque to Chicago
Moving from Albuquerque to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Albuquerque, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Albuquerque | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $329,595 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,503 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,111 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,353 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 7.63% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 5.9% | 4.95% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 64% higher than in Albuquerque.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 10.3% lower than in Albuquerque. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 16.4% higher than in Albuquerque. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 72.8% higher than in Albuquerque. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 73.1% higher than in Albuquerque.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 21.62% higher than in Albuquerque.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 34.34% higher than what you are paying in Albuquerque.
- One perk of moving to Chicago is paying less in state income taxes, which are 16.10% lower than in Albuquerque.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,184.27 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albuquerque.
How life is different in Albuquerque vs. Chicago
Chicago | Albuquerque | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 564,559 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 77 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 61 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 71.72 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 28.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Chicago is about 386% greater than Albuquerque, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Albuquerque, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Albuquerque. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Albuquerque. Chicago is considered more walkable than Albuquerque, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Albuquerque. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than Albuquerque in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Albuquerque is rated as 61 out of 100.
- Chicago has a lower crime rate than Albuquerque based on scores of 35.19 and Albuquerque's 71.72, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Chicago than in Albuquerque, based on Chicago's safety index of 33.87 versus 28.28 for Albuquerque. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Chicago and Albuquerque is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Albuquerque vs. Chicago move
- 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
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
After settling into your new Illinois home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Chicago has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Albuquerque to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Albuquerque to Chicago You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Albuquerque.
When is the cheapest time to move from Albuquerque to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from Albuquerque to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Albuquerque to Chicago take?
The 1,336-mile journey from Albuquerque, NM to Chicago, IL, typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Albuquerque offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.