New York City, NY to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from New York City to Chicago typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 790 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from New York City to Chicago
Moving from New York City, NY to Chicago, IL typically costs $2,400–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 790-mile move from New York City to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,214 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $2,619 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $4,824 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 24, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 03, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 28, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from New York City to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,700, but larger homes can run up to $7,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in New York City.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($600–$1,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to New York City, NY guide.
Best New York City to Chicago movers by type
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Best professional movers from New York City to Chicago
For a stress-free interstate move from New York City to Chicago, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NY→IL movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 148 New York moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from New York City to Chicago
Many movers find Chicago easier on the wallet than New York City - roughly 36% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,648 for one person in Chicago versus $5,683 in New York City. For a family of four, it's $9,266 compared with $15,081.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| New York City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,992 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $8,817 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,683 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $15,081 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 4.95% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 53% lower in Chicago than in New York City, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 61% lower in Chicago than in New York City.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Chicago than in New York City.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chicago, where the cost of living for a single person is 36% less than in New York City.
- Moving to Chicago could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 39% less than in New York City.
- Chicago experiences an unemployment rate that is about 20% lower than that of New York City. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 28% higher in Chicago than in New York City. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 55% lower in Illinois compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing New York City with Chicago:
| Living Expense | New York City | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $186.67 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.90 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.33 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.04 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $28.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $135.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $159.00 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities cost less in New York City than in Chicago, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in New York City than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in New York City than in Chicago.
- Bread is more expensive in New York City than in Chicago.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in New York City than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in New York City than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships cost more in New York City than in Chicago.
How life is different in New York City vs. Chicago
| New York City | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,258,035 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 88 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 69 | 72 |
| Crime index | 50.83 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 49.17 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 67% less than New York City.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is lower than New York City's score of 10.
- Chicago is less walkable than New York City with a score of 77 out of 100 vs New York City's 88 out of 100.
- Both Chicago and New York City have similar bike-friendliness scores (69 vs 72), meaning Chicago is about as safe for cyclists as New York City. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than New York City with a score of 35.19 compared to New York City's 50.83. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 33.87 vs New York City's 49.17.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in New York City it's Good.
Other things to consider for your New York City to Chicago move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
Now that you've chosen Chi-Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it's time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
- 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New York City to Chicago?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New York City to Chicago are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New York City are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from New York City 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 New York City to Chicago take?
A move of 790 miles from New York City, NY to Chicago, IL generally takes two to seven days. Movers in New York City sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Chicago is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in New York City?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In New York City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 9 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in New York City offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 145 movers in New York City have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 117 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
