($1,188) Moving from Chicago to Austin
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Austin costs $868 to $6,263 and takes two-eight 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 1,120-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Austin to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Austin moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Austin is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Austin.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
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 | $1,188 - $4,859 | $904 - $2,390 | $757 - $1,469 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,695 - $6,263 | $1,704 - $3,506 | $868 - $1,660 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,455 - $8,937 | $2,167 - $4,407 | $1,090 - $2,001 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Austin
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Austin can be as low as $1,188 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,291.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $757 to $1,927. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Austin?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Austin will cost between $1,188 to $4,859. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,695 to $6,263, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Austin will cost from $4,455 to $8,937.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Austin?
Moving containers from Chicago to Austin will cost you $904 to $2,390 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,704 to $3,506. A larger home will cost $2,167 to $4,407.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Austin?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $757 to $1,469. A larger move will cost $868 to $1,660, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Austin costs from $1,090 to $2,001. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Austin
Cost of living: Chicago vs Austin
| Chicago | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,850 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $530,990 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $65,602 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,195 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $4,235 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.5% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Austin are 16% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Austin are 73.5% higher than in Chicago.
- Income is the same in Austin and Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Austin is 19.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Austin is 18.2% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is 61.11% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Austin are 19.51% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Austin are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,581.42 in Austin to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to 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 lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 54 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- 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.
Considerations for moving to Austin
- 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Austin. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Austin
These are some of the best things to do in your new Texas home.
- Sixth Street
- Barton Springs Pool
- LBJ Presidential Library
- McKinney Falls State Park
- The University of Texas at Austin Campus
- Lady Bird Lake
- Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Zilker Metropolitan Park
- South Congress Avenue
- Texas State Capitol Building
- UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum
- Mount Bonnell
- Blanton Museum of Art
- Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
- Congress Avenue Bridge and Austin Bats
- Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
- Austin Aquarium
- Mexic-Arte Museum
- Thinkery
- Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater
Get your sports on!
Austin is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Round Rock Express
- Austin Spurs
- Texas Stars
- Austin Outlaws
- Austin Huns
- Austin Gilgronis
- Austin Bold FC
- Austin FC
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Austin?
The best time to move from Chicago to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
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?
The 1,120-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Austin, TX, takes two-eight days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
