($984) Movers From Michigan to Chicago
Quick answer: The cost to move from Michigan to Chicago, IL averages from $318 to $4,666 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a professional Michigan moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Chicago, IL to Michigan guide.
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Moving from Michigan to Chicago, IL resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Michigan to Chicago, IL.
But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Michigan to Chicago, IL movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Michigan to Chicago, IL.
- How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Michigan to Chicago, IL car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.
Moving 281 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Michigan to Chicago, IL moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Michigan to Chicago 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 Michigan to Chicago.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.
What is the average cost to move from Michigan to Chicago, IL?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Michigan to Chicago for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Size of the Move | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
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| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $984 - $3,083 | $590 - $1,409 | $298 - $552 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,701 - $4,666 | $1,104 - $2,201 | $318 - $653 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,258 - $6,305 | $1,399 - $2,598 | $434 - $755 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 281 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Michigan to Chicago, IL will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Michigan, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Michigan to Chicago?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Chicago will cost between $984 to $3,083. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Michigan to Chicago will range from $1,701 to $4,666, and a large move from Michigan to Chicago will cost from $2,258 to $6,305.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Michigan to Chicago?
Moving containers from Michigan to Chicago will cost you $590 to $1,409 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,104 to $2,201. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,399 to $2,598.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Chicago.
How much is a moving truck from Michigan to Chicago?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Michigan to Chicago, 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 $298 to $552. A larger move will cost $318 to $653, and a four-bedroom or more move from Michigan to Chicago costs from $434 to $755. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Michigan.
Is moving from Michigan to Chicago, IL a good idea?
Cost of living: Michigan vs Chicago, IL
| Michigan | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $892 | $1,595 |
| Average home value | $232,380 | $306,098 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $65,601 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 9% |
| State income tax | 4% | 5% |
Chicago sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 79% more expensive in Chicago than in Michigan.
- Home prices are about 32% higher in Chicago than in Michigan.
- The average income is about 4% lower in Chicago than in Michigan.
- Chicago has a higher unemployment rate than Michigan by about 120%.
- Income taxes are 16% higher in Chicago than in Michigan.
How is life different in Chicago from Michigan?
| Chicago | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 10,034,113 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 74-24 | Democratic 59-48 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 34" |
| Annual snow | 35" | 64" |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 18.76 |
Chicago sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Chicago is approximately 73% lower than the population of Michigan.
- In the last presidential election, Chicago voted Democrat and Michigan voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Chicago is 84ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Chicago reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Chicago vs 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
- In Chicago, it snows about 35 inches annually vs 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
- Chicago has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 35.19 vs 18.76.
Considerations for moving to Chicago, IL
- Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Illinois 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 Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Michigan movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
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3521 East Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001 (269) 503-8488 |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | Get A Quote |
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1200 E Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI, 48906 (336) 810-1801 |
| Handle With Care Moving | Get A Quote |
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4260 Varsity Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108 (734) 677-2000 |
Visit our best movers in Michigan page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Chicago, IL:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Michigan vs Chicago side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Michigan | Pros of living in Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Scenic beauty | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Good higher education | Delicious food |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant entertainment |
| Low cost of living | Intense sports culture |
| Beautiful lakes | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Chicago, IL:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Michigan for Chicago.
| Cons of living in Michigan | Cons of living in Chicago, IL |
|---|---|
| Cold snowy winters | High crime rate |
| Spotty economic opportunity | Temperamental weather |
| Poor transportation infrastructure | Terrible traffic |
| Expensive education | High taxes |
| Thick accents | Pollution |
Need a local Chicago mover?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Chicago?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Chicago.
Museums in Chicago
- The Field Museum
- Shedd Aquarium
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Museum of Contemporary Photography
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Smart Museum of Art
- The Oriental Institute Museum
- Adler Planetarium
- DuSable Museum of African American History
- The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- National Museum of Mexican Art
Parks in Chicago
- Millennium Park
- Grant Park
- The 606
- Lincoln Park
- Garfield Park
- Jackson Park
- Maggie Daley Park
- South Shore Cultural Center Park
- Humboldt Park
- Douglass Park
Sports Teams in Chicago
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Fire (MLS)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
Universities in Chicago
- Chicago State University
- Governors State University
- Northeastern Illinois University
- Northern Illinois University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Aurora University
- Benedictine University
- Concordia University Chicago
- DePaul University
- Dominican University
- East–West University
- Elmhurst University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Judson University
- Kendall College
- Lewis University
- Loyola University Chicago
- Midwestern University
- National Louis University
- National University of Health Sciences
- North Park University
- Northwestern University
- Resurrection University
- Roosevelt University
- Saint Xavier University
- Trinity International University
- University of Chicago
- University of St. Francis
- University of Saint Mary of the Lake
FAQs
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Chicago?
Because of the 281-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Michigan to Chicago as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Chicago, IL?
With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 19ºF, most people move to Chicago from Michigan during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Chicago during summer or winter.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?
Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Chicago.
Related articles to your move
Learn more about Chicago, IL
- What is the cost to move in Chicago?
- What is the cost to move to Illinois?
- Chicago Nightlife: Living it Up in the Windy City
- Chicago, IL: Surrounding Suburbs Guide
- What’s the cost of living in Chicago, IL?
- Chicago, IL: Surrounding Neighborhood Guide
- Moving to Chicago: What To Know and How To Make the Move
- Best moving companies in Illinois
