($655+) Providence, RI to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Providence, RI, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $655 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,299 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 968 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,896, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,299 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,174 - $3,937, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $655 - $1,741.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Providence, RI, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,187 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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Providence to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,187 - $5,392 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 36% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 70% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 968 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 968-mile route from Providence to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,896 - $4,320 with full-service movers, $1,174 - $2,157 with a container, $655 - $1,228 with a rental truck, or $1,067 - $1,791 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,187 - $5,392 full-service, $1,394 - $2,854 by container, $653 - $1,474 by rental truck, or $1,115 - $2,190 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,654 - $7,299 full-service, $1,995 - $3,937 by container, $887 - $1,741 by rental truck, or $1,550 - $3,149 by freight.
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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
For the 968-mile move from Providence, Rhode Island, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,896 and $7,299. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $323 - $2,156 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Providence generally start around $348 plus $90 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Providence to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,896 - $4,320
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,187 - $5,392
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,654 - $7,299
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 Providence to Chicago.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 79% of Providence 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 packing79% of local movers | $539 - $5,390 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $216 - $1,294/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $323 - $2,587 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,078 - $3,234 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,695 - $10,780 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $807 - $1,534 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,078 - $2,695 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $862 - $3,773 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling6% of local movers | $323 - $1,617 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (RI) | $701 - $2,156 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $323 - $16,170+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $323 - $3,773+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Providence to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Providence, RI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Providence, Rhode Island, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,174 and $3,937. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Providence typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Providence to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,157
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,394 - $2,854
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,995 - $3,937
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Providence, RI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $755, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $81 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $162 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Providence, RI, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Rhode Island 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 $1,174. 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 $1,394 - $2,854.
What are the best moving containers Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence:
- Boston Best Rate Movers (4.7/5), 21 years in business
- Esquire Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Fresh Start-The Moving Crew (4.9/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 968 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, to Chicago, Illinois, running $655 - $1,741. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $332 - $379
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Providence daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Providence to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $655 - $1,228
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $653 - $1,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $887 - $1,741
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $655 - $1,741 when pricing out a rental truck from Providence to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $332 - $379, and overnight lodging ($162/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $332 - $379 for the 968-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for about 5 hours typically costs around $755.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 968-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $162 per night, adding $323 - $485 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $54 and $323.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Providence 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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Providence, Rhode Island, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,115 and $2,190.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Providence to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,067 - $1,791
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,115 - $2,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,550 - $3,149
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Providence, Rhode Island, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $755.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $81 and $162 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Providence to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Providence, RI vs Chicago, IL
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Providence and Chicago to plan around. Cost of living index: 109 vs. 106. Average rent: $2,200/mo vs. $2,045/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 76 vs. 77. Safety index: 50.16 vs. 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Providence, RI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Rhode Island to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 29 movers licensed in Rhode Island, useful context for sizing up this 968-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Providence, RI, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,896 for a studio to $7,299 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 968-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,174 - $3,937. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $655 - $1,741, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,187 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer 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 Providence, RI, to Chicago, IL
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 50.16 and 49.84 in Providence. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $653 - $1,474. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 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 Providence?
Local movers based in Providence typically start around $348 as a base rate, plus $90/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 percentage of Providence movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in Providence handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.