($740+) San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from San Antonio, TX, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $740 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,544 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,199 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 $2,122, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,544 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,188 - $4,062, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $740 - $1,941.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from San Antonio, TX, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,671 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 San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving options from San Antonio to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,671 - $6,278 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,199-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,199-mile route from San Antonio to Chicago, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,122 - $4,820 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,188 - $2,271), rental truck ($740 - $1,438), or freight trailer ($1,058 - $2,064). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,671 - $6,278 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,544.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from San Antonio, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $2,122 and $8,544. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,199-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Antonio and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Antonio tend to start around $192 plus $96/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Antonio to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,122 - $4,820
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,671 - $6,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,562 - $8,544
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 San Antonio to Chicago.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of San Antonio 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 packing84% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage16% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move Logistics Inc. | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type48% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling18% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Antonio to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Antonio, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from San Antonio, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,188 and $4,062. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Antonio costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Antonio to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,188 - $2,271
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,037
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,029 - $4,062
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 $679 in San Antonio, 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 $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 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 $1,188. 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 $1,609 - $3,037.
What are the best moving containers San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Evolution Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- AB Moving (4.6/5), 26 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 1,199-mile move from San Antonio, Texas, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $740 and $1,941, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $370 - $423
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- San Antonio daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.19
| 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 San Antonio to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $740 - $1,438
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $815 - $1,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,035 - $1,941
Pro tip: The base rate of $740 - $1,941 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Antonio to Chicago. Fuel ($370 - $423), lodging at around $146/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Antonio, Texas, usually costs about $679 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,199-mile drive falls between $370 and $423, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $291 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from San Antonio, Texas, 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 a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,313 and $2,506.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Antonio to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,058 - $2,064
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,313 - $2,506
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,674 - $3,216
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Antonio, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $679.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $73 - $146 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Antonio 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Antonio, 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 San Antonio on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Antonio, TX | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,496/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $216,453 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $62,917/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 51.94/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 San Antonio, 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 843 movers licensed in Texas, useful context for sizing up this 1,199-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,199-mile route from San Antonio, TX, to Chicago, IL, run $2,122 - $8,544 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,188 - $4,062, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $740 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,671, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 San Antonio, TX, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from San Antonio, 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 do local movers charge in San Antonio?
Local movers based in San Antonio typically start around $192 as a base rate, plus $96/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 San Antonio, 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.
How much does it cost to move from San Antonio, TX to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $740 to $8,544, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,122 and $8,544, 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.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 37 and 45 in San Antonio. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of San Antonio movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 48% of movers in San Antonio handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.