($397+) Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Pittsburgh, PA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $397 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,022 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 462 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,103, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,022 or more.
- Moving containers run $880 - $2,835, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $397 - $1,045.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,845 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Pittsburgh to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,845 - $5,095. Moving containers run about 35% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 76% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 462-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 462-mile route from Pittsburgh to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,103 - $3,504 | $880 - $1,620 | $397 - $718 | $825 - $1,429 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,845 - $5,095 | $1,208 - $2,302 | $435 - $885 | $891 - $1,751 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,059 - $7,022 | $1,496 - $2,835 | $496 - $1,045 | $1,184 - $2,199 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 462-mile move from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $1,103 - $7,022. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $293 - $1,952 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Pittsburgh and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Pittsburgh movers tend to run around $185 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Pittsburgh to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,103 - $3,504
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,845 - $5,095
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,059 - $7,022
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 Pittsburgh to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Pittsburgh movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $488 - $4,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $195 - $1,171/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,342 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% 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 items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Zip to Zip Moving Inc (PA) | $976 - $2,440 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Don Farr Moving & Storage | $781 - $3,416 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $293 - $1,464 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System (PA) | $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 Pittsburgh to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Pittsburgh, PA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,937 - $5,349. A local mover in Pittsburgh, PA is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Don Farr Moving & Storage (4.62/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Pittsburgh, ranked #4 in Pennsylvania, based on our analysis of feedback from 204 customers, 34.8% of which is positive.
Address: 1200 Lebanon Road Unit 520, West Mifflin, PA, 15122 | Founded: 1981
Moving container costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $880 and $2,835. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Chicago. If you go over that window, storage in Pittsburgh adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Pittsburgh to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $880 - $1,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,208 - $2,302
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,496 - $2,835
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh, PA, 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 Pennsylvania 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 $880. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,208 - $2,302.
What are the best moving containers Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh:
- Diversity Moving Company (4.9/5), 16 years in business
- Miracle Movers (4.3/5), 7 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.3/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $397 - $1,045 for the 462-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $143 - $164
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Pittsburgh daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.99
| 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 Pittsburgh to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $397 - $718
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $435 - $885
- 4+ bedrooms: $496 - $1,045
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $397 - $1,045 when pricing out a rental truck from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $143 - $164, and overnight lodging ($146/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $146 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $63 and $317 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $143 - $164 in fuel for the 462-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $683 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $891 and $1,751.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Pittsburgh to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $825 - $1,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $891 - $1,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,199
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $683.
What are the best freight companies from Pittsburgh to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Pittsburgh 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: Pittsburgh, PA vs Chicago, IL
Good news for your budget: Chicago isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Pittsburgh. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 92 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 62/100 and 62.26/100 here versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Pittsburgh, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Pennsylvania alone has 267 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 462-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,103 - $7,022 on the 462-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $880 - $2,835 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $397 - $1,045 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,845 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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 Pittsburgh, PA, to Chicago, IL
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Pittsburgh?
Local movers based in Pittsburgh typically start around $185 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh, PA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $397 to $7,022, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,103 and $7,022, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Pittsburgh movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Pittsburgh handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.