Portland, OR to Chicago, IL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Portland to Chicago typically costs $4,300–$9,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,121 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Portland to Chicago
Moving from Portland, OR to Chicago, IL typically costs $4,300–$9,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,121-mile move from Portland to Chicago, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $2,825 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,744 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,016 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 31, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Chicago
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Chicago may only cost $3,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,400–$3,700), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR guide.
Best Portland to Chicago movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Portland to Chicago
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Portland to Chicago. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 OR→IL movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 36 Oregon moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Portland to Chicago
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Chicago runs about 42% higher for singles and 52% higher for families than Portland.
Singles spend around $3,648 in Chicago versus $2,572 in Portland; families pay $9,266 compared with $6,077.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Portland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $2,368 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $4,581 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $71,566 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $3,648 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $9,266 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 9.0% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 34% more expensive in Chicago than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 43% cheaper in Chicago than in Portland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 17% less in Chicago than in Portland.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Chicago, with the cost of living for a single person being 42% more than in Portland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Chicago, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 52% higher than in Portland.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Chicago has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 50% less in Illinois compared to Oregon, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Chicago:
| Living Expense | Portland | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $191.26 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $61.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $78.31 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Chicago.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Chicago.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Chicago.
- Bread costs less in Portland than in Chicago.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Portland than in Chicago.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Portland than in Chicago.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Chicago.
How life is different in Portland vs. Chicago
| Portland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 2,746,388 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 72 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 35.19 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 33.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Chicago's population is about 321% greater than Portland.
- Chicago's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Portland's score of 8.
- Chicago and Portland are similarly walkable.
- Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- Chicago's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 35.19 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Chicago is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.87 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Portland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Chicago move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Illinois, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Illinois, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
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
With your move to Illinois complete, you can dive right into experiencing Chicago. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Portland to Chicago?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Chicago. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Chicago?
Want to save on your move from Portland to Chicago? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Portland to Chicago take?
The 2,121-mile move from Portland, OR, to Chicago, IL, takes six to 17 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.
What kinds of discounts do Portland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 15 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 9 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 27 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
