$1,330 Movers From Charleston to Chicago

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Erika Marty

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL averages from $806 to $6,765 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Charleston moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Chicago, IL.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Charleston guide.

Moving from Charleston to Chicago resources

• Best Charleston to Chicago movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from Charleston to Chicago.
• Moving cost: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Charleston to Chicago car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 910 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Chicago?

Charleston movers charge $134 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 910 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Charleston to Chicago will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Charleston to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Chicago will cost between $1,330 to $4,872. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,730 to $6,765, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Charleston to Chicago will cost from $4,424 to $8,566.

How much are moving container companies from Charleston to Chicago?

Moving containers from Charleston to Chicago will cost you $912 to $2,173 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,622 to $3,278. A larger home will cost $2,362 to $4,469.

How much is a moving truck from Charleston to Chicago?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 will cost around $739 to $1,290. A larger move will cost $806 to $1,565, and a four-bedroom move from Charleston to Chicago costs from $933 to $1,843. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Charleston to Chicago moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Charleston to Chicago is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Charleston to Chicago.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657 % of users select this mover

Best industry reputation American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 20 yrs experience Flat rate pricing Family owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392 % of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.45 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841 % of users select this mover

Best for complex moves North American Van Lines rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price 74 years in biz 1,800 trucks Storage available Get A Quote (844) 950-2963 % of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves JK Moving Services rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price White glove Expensive items Guaranteed delivery Get A Quote (703) 972-1772 % of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Charleston to Chicago

Cost of living: Charleston vs Chicago

• Rent prices in Chicago are 36% lower than in Charleston.
• Home prices in Chicago are 42.4% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Chicago is 8.0% higher than in Charleston.
• The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 5.1% lower than in Charleston.
• The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 2.7% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 125.00% higher than in Charleston.
• Sales taxes in Chicago are 13.89% higher than in Charleston.
• State income taxes in Chicago are 29.29% lower than in Charleston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,846.45 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How is life different in Charleston compared to Chicago?

• Chicago's population is about 1,728% greater than Charleston.
• Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
• Chicago is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
• Chicago is more bike-friendly than Charleston with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Charleston's 50.
• Chicago's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 35.19 compared to Charleston's 18.0. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 18.0%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.87 vs Charleston's 61.13.
• Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Considerations for moving to Chicago

• Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime..
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Illinois does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Charleston movers

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Smooth Move Charleston	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating	4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 860-9717
All My Sons Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating	2532 Oscar Johnson Drive, Charleston, SC, 29405 (843) 202-4860
Professional Movers of Charleston	Get A Quote	4.38 overall rating	1583 Harborsun Drive, Charleston, SC, 29412 (843) 352-8696

Visit our best long distance movers in Charleston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Chicago

These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

• Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
• Navy Pier
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Buckingham Fountain
• Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
• 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Field Museum
• The Magnificent Mile
• Willis Tower SkyDeck
• Garfield Park Conservatory
• Chicago Cultural Center
• Wrigley Field
• Chicago Pizza Tours
• Oz Park
• Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
• Maggie Daley Park
• Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
• Shedd Aquarium
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Green Mill Jazz Club
• The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
• The Chicago Theatre
• The Second City

Get your sports on!

• Chicago Bears (NFL)
• Chicago Cubs (MLB)
• Chicago White Sox (MLB)
• Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Chicago Bulls (NBA)
• Chicago Fire (MLS)
• Chicago Sky (WNBA)

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Chicago

• How Much do Chicago Movers Cost?
• How Much Does It Cost To Move to Illinois?
• Who’s Moving Into and Out of Chicago?
• Chicago Nightlife: Living it Up in the Windy City
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide
• What’s the cost of living in Chicago, IL?
• Chicago, IL: Surrounding Neighborhood Guide
• Best Chicago Moving Companies
• The Best Illinois Moving Companies