($1,131) Moving from Charlotte to Chicago

Quick answer: A move from Charlotte to Chicago costs $584 to $5,637 and takes two-seven 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 754-mile move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Charlotte 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 Chicago to Charlotte guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Charlotte to Chicago moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Chicago.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Charlotte to Chicago?

Charlotte movers charge $80 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 $1,131 - $3,824 $773 - $1,892 $557 - $1,028
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,095 - $5,637 $1,447 - $2,678 $584 - $1,295
4+ bedrooms $3,604 - $7,711 $1,959 - $3,416 $746 - $1,509
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 754 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Charlotte to Chicago

The cost of Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Chicago can be as low as $1,131 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,289.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charlotte, 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 $557 to $1,289. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Charlotte to Chicago?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charlotte to Chicago will cost between $1,131 to $3,824. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,095 to $5,637, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Charlotte to Chicago will cost from $3,604 to $7,711.

How much are moving container companies from Charlotte to Chicago?

Moving containers from Charlotte to Chicago will cost you $773 to $1,892 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,447 to $2,678. A larger home will cost $1,959 to $3,416.

How much is a moving truck from Charlotte to Chicago?

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 $557 to $1,028. A larger move will cost $584 to $1,295, and a four-bedroom move from Charlotte to Chicago costs from $746 to $1,509. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Charlotte to Chicago

Cost of living: Charlotte vs Chicago

Charlotte Chicago
Average rent cost $1,834 $1,595
Average home value $386,482 $306,098
Average income (per capita) $62,923 $65,601
Cost of Living (single person) $940 $1,001
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,379 $3,584
Unemployment rate 3.3% 9.0%
Sales Tax 7.25% 10.25%
State Income Tax 9.9% 4.95%
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 13% lower than in Charlotte.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 20.8% lower than in Charlotte.
  • Income in Chicago is 4.3% higher than in Charlotte.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 6.5% higher than in Charlotte.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 6.1% higher than in Charlotte.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 172.73% higher than in Charlotte.
  • Sales taxes in Chicago are 41.38% higher than in Charlotte.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 50.00% lower than in Charlotte.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,194.68 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.

How is life different in Charlotte compared to Chicago?

Chicago Charlotte
Population 2,746,388 874,579
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 77 26
Bike friendliness score 72 31
Crime Index 35.19 42.26
Safety Index 33.87 62.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Chicago's population is about 214% greater than Charlotte.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Charlotte's higher score of 5.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
  • Chicago is more bike-friendly than Charlotte with a score of 72 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 31.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Charlotte with a score of 35.19 compared to Charlotte's 42.26. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 42.26%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 33.87 vs Charlotte's 62.94.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Chicago

  • 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: 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 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Charlotte movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
You Move Me Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
4300 Barringer Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28217
(800) 926-3900
Easy Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
11021 Downs Rd Suite c, Pineville, NC, 28134
(704) 588-6868

Visit our best long distance movers in Charlotte page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

What to do in Chicago

These are some of the best things to do in your new Illinois home.

  • Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate
  • Navy Pier
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Buckingham Fountain
  • Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  • 360 Chicago and the John Hancock Center
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Field Museum
  • The Magnificent Mile
  • Willis Tower SkyDeck
  • Garfield Park Conservatory
  • Chicago Cultural Center
  • Wrigley Field
  • Chicago Pizza Tours
  • Oz Park
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
  • Maggie Daley Park
  • Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Green Mill Jazz Club
  • The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
  • The Chicago Theatre
  • The Second City

Get your sports on!

Chicago is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Chicago White Sox (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Chicago Fire (MLS)
  • Chicago Sky (WNBA)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Chicago?

The best time to move from Charlotte to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Charlotte.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Chicago?

Because most people are moving from Charlotte to Chicago 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 Charlotte to Chicago take?

The 754-mile move from Charlotte, NC, to Chicago, IL, takes two-seven days. Some Charlotte movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chicago.

Helpful moving resources