Top-rated local movers that handle Chicago to Atlanta moves
When planning a move from Chicago to Atlanta, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 68 local movers in Chicago who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chicago to Atlanta.
- New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158678
Years in Business: 16
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Atlanta?
Movers in Illinois charge $113 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 | $1,143 – $3,638 | $758 – $1,747 | $527 – $904 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,209 – $5,575 | $1,260 – $2,648 | $563 – $1,119 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,617 – $7,578 | $1,775 – $3,372 | $657 – $1,411 |
Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Atlanta
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Atlanta, you can expect to spend between $1,143 and $3,638. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,209 to $5,575 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Atlanta typically runs between $3,617 and $7,578.
Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Atlanta
When moving from Chicago to Atlanta, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $758 and $1,747. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,260 to $2,648. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,775 up to $3,372. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Atlanta
Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Atlanta. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $527 and $904. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $563 and $1,119. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $657 and $1,411.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Atlanta

What to know before moving from Chicago to Atlanta
Many movers find Atlanta easier on the wallet than Chicago – roughly 14% less for singles and 16% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,134 for one person in Atlanta versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it’s $7,822 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,810 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,039 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $388,167 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,107 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $3,134 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $7,822 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 6.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.9% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.49% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 7% lower in Atlanta than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 31% higher in Atlanta than in Chicago.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 8% less in Atlanta than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Atlanta, where the cost of living for a single person is 14% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Atlanta could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 16% less than in Chicago.
- Atlanta experiences an unemployment rate that is about 33% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Atlanta than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Atlanta can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 11% higher in Georgia compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Atlanta:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $200.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $57.65 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.13 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.96 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $46.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Atlanta, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Atlanta.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Atlanta.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Atlanta
| Chicago | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 498,715 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 42 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 64.23 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 35.77 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Atlanta’s population is about 82% less than Chicago.
- Atlanta’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
- Atlanta is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
- Atlanta has a bike-friendliness score of 42 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Atlanta’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 64.23 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Atlanta is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 35.77 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
- Air quality in Atlanta is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Atlanta move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Georgia doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Atlanta smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company 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 Atlanta
Now that you’ve chosen The Atl as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cabbagetown
- Inman Park
- Midtown
- Old Fourth Ward
- Virginia-Highland
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avondale Estates
- Buckhead
- Candler Park
- Decatur
- Druid Hills
- Inman Park
- Mountain Park
- North Decatur
- Poncey-Highland
- Virginia-Highland
Things to do in Atlanta
After getting comfortable in your new Georgia home, it’s time to see what Atlanta is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Atlanta offers cultural landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, High Museum of Art, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, and Hammonds House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sweetwater Creek State Park, Freedom Park, Stone Mountain Park, and Grant Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Atlanta Braves (MLB)Atlanta Falcons (NFL)Atlanta Hawks (NBA)Atlanta United (MLS)Atlanta Dream (WNBA) game.
FAQ
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Helpful moving resources
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