Quick answer: A move from Dallas to Chicago costs $835–$7,428 and takes two to seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 926-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Chicago to Dallas guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Dallas to Chicago
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Dallas to Chicago isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your TX to IL move
Local movers servicing Dallas to Chicago moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Dallas that also provides long-distance services to Chicago can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Dallas who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Dallas to Chicago.
- Firehouse Movers Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Around the Block Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 000570404B
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 1939062
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Alternate Names: Square Cow Movers, Square Cow Moovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 2166531
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2166531
Alternate Names: Around The Block Moving Company, A.T.B. Office Relocators, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Dallas to Chicago?
Dallas movers charge $60 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,526 - $5,970 | $994 - $2,418 | $735 - $1,450 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,066 - $7,428 | $1,784 - $3,751 | $835 - $1,758 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,245 - $10,110 | $2,499 - $4,874 | $1,006 - $2,158 |
Cost to hire movers from Texas to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Texas to Illinois typically costs between $1,526 and $5,970. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,066 and $7,428 when moving from TX to IL. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Texas to Illinois, you're looking at costs ranging from $5,245 up to $10,110.
Cost of moving containers from Texas to Illinois
When you're heading from Texas to Illinois, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $994 and $2,418. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,784 and $3,751. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,499 to $4,874. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas to Illinois
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $735 and $1,450 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $835 to $1,758. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,006 to $2,158.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Dallas to Chicago move
What to know before moving from Dallas to Chicago
Moving from Dallas to Chicago comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Chicago is generally more expensive than Dallas, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Dallas | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,774 | $2,045 |
Average home value | $303,900 | $295,743 |
Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $71,566 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,828 | $3,648 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,793 | $9,266 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 9.0% |
Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.95% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Chicago, since prices are typically 15% higher than in Dallas.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Chicago.
Home prices in Chicago are 2.7% lower than in Dallas. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Chicago, where incomes are, on average, 4.8% higher than in Dallas. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chicago, since the cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 29.0% higher than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Chicago, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 18.9% higher than in Dallas.
- The unemployment rate in Chicago is 150.00% higher than in Dallas.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Chicago, since its sales taxes are 24.24% higher than what you are paying in Dallas.
- State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Dallas.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,869.87 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.
How life is different in Dallas vs. Chicago
Chicago | Dallas | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,746,388 | 1,304,379 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
Walkability score | 77 | 46 |
Bike friendliness score | 72 | 49 |
Crime Index | 35.19 | 51.4 |
Safety Index | 33.87 | 48.6 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Chicago is about 111% greater than Dallas, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Chicago offers better access to buses and trains than Dallas, based on public transportation ratings. Chicago has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 6 in Dallas. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in Chicago means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Dallas. Chicago is considered more walkable than Dallas, with a score of 77 out of 100 versus 46 out of 100 in Dallas. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Chicago is considered more bike-friendly than Dallas in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Chicago has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, while Dallas is rated as 49 out of 100.
- Chicago has a lower crime rate than Dallas based on scores of 35.19 and Dallas's 51.4, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Chicago. With a crime index of 33.87, Chicago ranks lower in overall safety than Dallas, whose index is 48.6. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Chicago and Dallas is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Dallas vs. Chicago move
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Illinois moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Illinois doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Chicago. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Chicago
With your sights set on Chi-Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Chicago
After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it's time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chicago, such as the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Chicago?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Dallas to Chicago You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Dallas.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to Chicago?
Because spring and fall moves from Dallas to Chicago are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Dallas to Chicago take?
The 926-mile journey from Dallas, TX to Chicago, IL, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Dallas offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Chicago.