($486+) Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $500 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,512 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 602 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,532, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,512 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,018 - $3,250, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $500 - $1,301.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,310 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Chattanooga 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 $2,310 - $5,921. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 602-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 602-mile route from Chattanooga to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,532 - $4,241 | $1,018 - $1,911 | $500 - $898 | $917 - $1,603 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,310 - $5,921 | $1,346 - $2,618 | $498 - $1,131 | $1,108 - $2,074 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,022 - $8,512 | $1,867 - $3,250 | $622 - $1,301 | $1,451 - $2,573 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 602-mile move from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $1,532 - $8,512. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $289 - $1,928 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Chattanooga and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Chattanooga movers tend to run around $280 as a base rate plus $99/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,532 - $4,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,310 - $5,921
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,022 - $8,512
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 Chattanooga to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Chattanooga movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $482 - $4,820 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Good Guys Moving & Delivery | $193 - $1,157/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $289 - $2,314 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $964 - $2,892 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,410 - $9,640 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $722 - $1,372 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Elizabeth's Moving & Storage | $964 - $2,410 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $771 - $3,374 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $289 - $1,446 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $627 - $1,928 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $289 - $14,460+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $289 - $3,374+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Chattanooga to Chicago?
All three below meet the standards set by the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Illinois movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Chattanooga, TN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,018 and $3,250. 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 Chattanooga typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,018 - $1,911
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,346 - $2,618
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,867 - $3,250
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $72 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $145 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $675 in Chattanooga, TN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Tennessee 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 $1,018. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,346 - $2,618, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga:
- Good Guys Moving & Delivery (4.8/5), 13 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $500 - $1,301 for the 602-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $185 - $211
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Chattanooga daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $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 Chattanooga to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $500 - $898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $498 - $1,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $622 - $1,301
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Chattanooga to Chicago starts at $500 - $1,301, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($185 - $211) , overnight lodging ($145/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $185 - $211 for the 602-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 Chattanooga, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $675.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 602-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $145 per night, adding $289 - $434 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $48 and $289.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,108 and $2,074.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chattanooga to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $917 - $1,603
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,108 - $2,074
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,451 - $2,573
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $72 and $145.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for roughly five hours typically average $675.
What are the best freight companies from Chattanooga 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.
- Covenant Logistics (4.8/5 stars): Covenant Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Chattanooga 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: Chattanooga, TN vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Chattanooga on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Chattanooga, TN | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,475/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $259,125 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $61,028/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 46.11/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Chattanooga, TN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Tennessee to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 70 movers in our Tennessee network to compare for this 602-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Chattanooga, TN, 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 $1,532 - $8,512 on the 602-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,018 - $3,250 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $500 - $1,301 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,310 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 Chattanooga, TN, to Chicago, IL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,532 to $8,512, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,532 and $8,512, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Chattanooga, TN 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 $498 - $1,131. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($185 - $211), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $145/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Chattanooga, TN to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of Chattanooga movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Chattanooga handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.