Local moving companies in Pennsylvania
Moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease.
Out of 90 Pennsylvania movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Chicago, IL.
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8917264
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Jack Treier Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8919262
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: BLL Charles Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8925314
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2969363
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Cost to move from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
Check out the table below for average cost ranges to move from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL, across different service types and home sizes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,119 – $3,173 | $686 – $1,575 | $465 – $860 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,925 – $5,037 | $1,202 – $2,505 | $492 – $1,021 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,385 – $7,166 | $1,621 – $2,991 | $597 – $1,233 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 606-mile move from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of confirmed prices from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to account for seasonal patterns and market movement. Actual charges can change depending on load size, optional services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and your dates. Always compare several quotes to get a realistic price range.
Cost to hire professional movers from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL, you’ll likely pay between $1,119 and $3,173. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,925 and $5,037 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,385 to $7,166.
Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
When you’re heading from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $686 and $1,575. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,202 and $2,505. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,621 to $2,991. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL will cost around $465 to $860. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $492 to $1,021, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms costs around $597 to $1,233.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Compare local moving companies from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Armstrong Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Gardner Moving | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| Bellhop Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Among the 3,180 movers we’ve evaluated, here’s where Pennsylvania movers stand in terms of national service and discount offerings:
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 96% | 96% |
| Antiques | 51% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Chicago, IL has in store compared to Pennsylvania. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Chicago, IL
| Pennsylvania | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,110 | $2,045 |
| Average home cost | $268,824 | $295,743 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,170 | $71,566 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 9.0% |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 4.95% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Chicago is about 84% higher than in Pennsylvania. Be sure to factor this into your budget.
- Expect home prices in Chicago to be about 10% higher than in Pennsylvania. Plan ahead for a bigger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall costs of owning a home.
- You won’t notice much of a difference in your bank account when you move, since income levels in Chicago are about the same as in Pennsylvania.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 165% higher than in Pennsylvania. It’s a good idea to plan carefully and prepare for a more competitive job market.
- With income tax rates 61% higher in Illinois than in Pennsylvania, you may notice less flexibility in your monthly budget.
How life is different in Chicago from Pennsylvania
| Chicago | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 12,961,683 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 38″ |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 17.62 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat, while Pennsylvania leaned Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- In the coldest months, Chicago drops to 19ºF, which is about the same as Pennsylvania at 19ºF. When winter temps match up like this, your move should feel smoother, with stable costs and minimal changes to your daily routine.
- In Chicago, you can expect just 38 inches of rain each year—far less than the 44 inches back in Pennsylvania. With more sunny days ahead, you’ll have plenty of chances to get outside and enjoy your new surroundings. This brighter weather is sure to boost your mood and help you feel right at home.
- In Chicago, you can expect about 35 inches of snow each year. By comparison, Pennsylvania typically gets around 38 inches annually. Since both see similar snowfall, your move shouldn’t come with unexpected weather challenges.
- Chicago has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania, with a crime index of 35.19 compared to 17.62. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good reminder to look into local safety precautions and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Things to do in Chicago
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Chicago really has something for everyone.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
Sports teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
Other considerations when moving to Chicago, IL
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify your Illinois moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Illinois, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Illinois right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
FAQ
How long does a move from Pennsylvania to Chicago take?
How long it takes to move from Pennsylvania to Chicago, IL depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
If you’re starting from northern Pennsylvania, it’ll take longer to get to Chicago. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Getting your stuff from Pennsylvania to Chicago can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you choose movers or a moving container. Be sure to request a delivery estimate before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to Chicago?
Planning a 606-mile move from Pennsylvania to Chicago? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
With the summer highs of 84°F and the winter lows of 19°F, most people move to Chicago from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
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