($719+) Austin, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $719 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,492 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,121 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,088, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,492 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,195 - $3,897, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $719 - $1,979.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,715 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 Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Austin to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,715 - $5,881 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 42% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 72% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,121 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,121-mile route from Austin to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,088 - $4,843 with full-service movers, $1,195 - $2,277 with a container, $719 - $1,395 with a rental truck, or $1,130 - $2,008 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,715 - $5,881 full-service, $1,586 - $3,263 by container, $762 - $1,658 by rental truck, or $1,206 - $2,386 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,577 - $8,492 full-service, $2,080 - $3,897 by container, $1,015 - $1,979 by rental truck, or $1,714 - $3,315 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,121-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $2,088 - $8,492. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $359 - $2,396. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Austin and Chicago. Local movers in Austin typically start around $191 as a base rate plus $90/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Austin to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,088 - $4,843
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,715 - $5,881
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,577 - $8,492
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 Austin to Chicago.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Austin 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 packing81% of local movers | $599 - $5,990 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Square Cow | $240 - $1,438/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $359 - $2,875 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs69% of local movers | $1,198 - $3,594 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,995 - $11,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $897 - $1,705 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items35% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage | $1,198 - $2,995 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $958 - $4,193 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling15% of local movers | $359 - $1,797 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $779 - $2,396 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $359 - $17,970+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $359 - $4,193+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Austin to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Austin, TX. 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 Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Austin, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,195 and $3,897. 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 Austin adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Austin to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $2,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,586 - $3,263
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,080 - $3,897
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $839 in Austin, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $90 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $180 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Chicago, IL, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,195. 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 $1,586 - $3,263.
What are the best moving containers Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin:
- Square Cow (4.8/5), 18 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.9/5), 41 years in business
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 1,121-mile move from Austin, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $719 and $1,979. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $427 - $488
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Austin 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 Austin to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $719 - $1,395
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $762 - $1,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,015 - $1,979
Pro tip: A rental truck from Austin to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $719 - $1,979. But once you factor in fuel ($427 - $488), overnight lodging ($180/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $427 - $488 for the 1,121-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 Austin, Texas, for about 5 hours typically costs around $839.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,121-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $180 per night, adding $359 - $539 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $359.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Austin 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 Austin, TX 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 Austin, Texas, 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 $1,206 and $2,386.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Austin to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $2,008
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,206 - $2,386
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,714 - $3,315
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?
- 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 $90 and $180.
- 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 Austin, Texas, for roughly five hours typically average $839.
What are the best freight companies from Austin 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 are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Austin, TX 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 Austin on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Austin, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 129 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,765/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $512,969 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $91,461/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 42/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 59.87/100 | 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 Austin, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 803 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,121-mile route.
Our take
A move from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,088 - $8,492 on the 1,121-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,195 - $3,897, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $719 - $1,979. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,715 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($427 - $488), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $180/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Austin, TX 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 $762 - $1,658. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $719 to $8,492, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,088 and $8,492, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Austin movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Austin handle piano moves, and 35% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.