($819+) Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $819 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,928 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,355 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 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 $2,295, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,928 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,367 - $4,599, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $819 - $2,273.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,887 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Laredo to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,887 - $6,329. Containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 67% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,355 miles, expect 3 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,355-mile route from Laredo to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,295 - $5,258 | $1,367 - $2,428 | $819 - $1,630 | $1,184 - $2,253 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,887 - $6,329 | $1,747 - $3,355 | $939 - $1,824 | $1,343 - $2,684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,721 - $8,928 | $2,395 - $4,599 | $1,171 - $2,273 | $1,897 - $3,716 |
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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 1,355-mile relocation from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $2,295 and $8,928. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $275 - $1,832, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Laredo typically charge a base rate around $938 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,295 - $5,258
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,887 - $6,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,721 - $8,928
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 Laredo 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $458 - $4,580 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% nationallyTop pick: Flex Moving & Storage (TX) | $183 - $1,099/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $275 - $2,198 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $916 - $2,748 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,290 - $9,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $686 - $1,303 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage (TX) | $916 - $2,290 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving (TX) | $733 - $3,206 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $275 - $1,374 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $595 - $1,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $275 - $13,740+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $275 - $3,206+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Laredo to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Laredo, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,367 and $4,599. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Laredo typically runs around $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,367 - $2,428
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,747 - $3,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,395 - $4,599
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 $641 in Laredo, 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 $69 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $137 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 $1,367. 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 $1,747 - $3,355.
What are the best moving containers Laredo 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 Laredo 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 Laredo:
Moving truck rental costs from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,355-mile move from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $819 and $2,273, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $395 - $451
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Laredo daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.69
| 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 Laredo to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $819 - $1,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $939 - $1,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,171 - $2,273
Pro tip: The base rate of $819 - $2,273 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Laredo to Chicago. Fuel ($395 - $451), lodging at around $137/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $321.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $137.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $395 and $451 for the 1,355-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $641 for 2 movers in Laredo, Texas, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Laredo 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Laredo, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,343 and $2,684.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Laredo to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,343 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,897 - $3,716
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $69 - $137 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Laredo, Texas, typically costs $641.
What are the best freight companies from Laredo to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Laredo to Chicago, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Laredo, 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 Laredo on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Laredo, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 82 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,241/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $181,479 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $63,264/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 63.77/100 | 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 Laredo, TX guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Texas 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 803 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,355-mile move.
Our take
A move from Laredo, 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 $2,295 - $8,928 on the 1,355-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,367 - $4,599, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $819 - $2,273. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,887 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 Laredo, TX, to Chicago, IL
What is the cheapest way to move from Laredo, 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 $939 - $1,824. 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 Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 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 do local movers charge in Laredo?
Local movers based in Laredo typically start around $938 as a base rate, plus $60/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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Laredo, TX to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.