Quick answer: A typical 1,120-mile move from Chicago to Austin runs $991–$7,137 and takes two to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Austin to Chicago guide.
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Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Chicago to Austin
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Chicago to Austin can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of 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 IL to TX move
Local movers servicing Chicago to Austin moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Chicago that also provides long-distance services to Austin 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 Chicago 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 Chicago to Austin.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Austin?
Chicago movers charge $100 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 | $1,425 - $5,827 | $1,074 - $2,595 | $863 - $1,608 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,135 - $7,137 | $1,866 - $3,690 | $991 - $1,951 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,026 - $10,298 | $2,652 - $5,076 | $1,196 - $2,450 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Texas
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Texas, you can expect to spend between $1,425 and $5,827. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,135 to $7,137 on the same route (IL to TX). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Illinois to Texas typically runs between $5,026 and $10,298.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Texas
Moving containers from Illinois to Texas will cost you $1,074 to $2,595 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,866 to $3,690. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,652 to $5,076. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Texas
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $863 and $1,608. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $991 and $1,951. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,196 up to $2,450 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Austin move
What to know before moving from Chicago to Austin
Moving from Chicago to Austin means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Austin, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Austin so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Austin | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,765 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $508,841 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $68,258 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $3,345 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $7,815 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.5% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 14% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Austin are 72.1% higher than in Chicago, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Austin is 4.6% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Austin — including Keller Williams Realty, Whole Foods Market, and Arrow Value Recovery — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Austin. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 8.3% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Austin can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 15.7% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 61.11% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Austin, since the city's sales taxes in Austin are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Austin is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,750.82 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Austin
Austin | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 974,447 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 42 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 54 | 72 |
Crime Index | 42.91 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 59.87 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 65% less than Chicago.
- Austin's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Austin is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 42.91 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 59.87 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Austin is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Austin move
- Weather: Austin has mild winters and hot summers, the rainiest months are typically May, June, and October so your move may be affected in these months.
- 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-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas 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 Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Austin
Now that you've decided to make the move to ATX, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
After settling into your new Texas home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, Blanton Museum of Art, and Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Round Rock Express, Austin Spurs, Texas Stars, or Austin Outlaws game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Austin?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Austin are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Austin?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Austin in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Austin take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX covers 1,120 miles and usually takes two to eight days Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Austin.