Moving from Chicago to New York: Top Movers & Costs
If you're moving from Chicago to New York, you're already facing a 790-mile haul that most moving companies can handle—but not all handle it well. I've pulled together reviews and pricing data on the movers that consistently deliver on this route, plus what you should actually expect to pay.
Best Moving Companies for Chicago to New York
Out of 68 Chicago-based operators who run interstate moves, these five stand out for customer satisfaction and follow-through on long-distance work:
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H2H Movers Inc — 4.72 / 5 stars
- 88% positive reviews; 412 Yelp reviews, 1,556 Google reviews
- BBB Grade A+
- What customers say: Efficient crews, on-time arrivals, accurate pricing. Main complaints center on unexpected fees and rare damage claims.
- License: 184599 | DOT: 2428328 | Years in business: 10
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, specialized crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Contact: (773) 236-8797
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Alliance Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5 stars
- 96% positive reviews; 25 Yelp, 33 Google reviews
- BBB Grade A+
- What customers say: Speed and professionalism dominate feedback. Transparent pricing and respectful crews. A few note unexpected charges or poor follow-up on damage.
- License: 214845 | DOT: 2882675 | Years in business: 9
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Contact: (847) 378-4949
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New City Moving — 4.66 / 5 stars
- 92% positive reviews; 1,194 Yelp, 2,393 Google reviews
- BBB Grade A+
- What customers say: Fast, efficient, careful with belongings. About 6% report damage or unexpected charges; only 1.8% neutral feedback.
- License: 158051 | DOT: 3078026 | Years in business: 16
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Contact: (773) 489-0600
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The Professionals Moving Specialists — 4.64 / 5 stars
- 93% positive reviews; 1,064 Yelp, 3,993 Google reviews
- BBB Grade A+
- What customers say: Dependable, skilled teams. Quick completion and careful handling of property. Some cite scratches or final-bill surprises, but far less common than praise.
- License: 136144 | DOT: 3383907 | Years in business: 20
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, piano and antique crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Contact: (888) 225-7351
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STI Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.72 / 5 stars
- 68% positive reviews; 425 Yelp, 1,080 Google reviews
- BBB Grade A+
- What customers say: Efficient crews and friendly staff. Fast turnaround on deliveries. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage claims and long-distance delays.
- License: 139020 | DOT: 1308599 | Years in business: 20 | Rate: $150/hr
- Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage
- Contact: (847) 675-1223
What Chicago Movers Actually Offer
Looking at the 68 movers we track in Illinois:
- Interstate moves: 73.5% offer them
- Pianos: 79.4% handle them
- Art & antiques: 60% can crate specialized pieces
- Fragile-only packing: 29.4% specialize in it
- Small moves: 58.8% accept them
Real Pricing for Chicago to New York
Here's what you can expect to pay for this 790-mile move, based on move size and service type:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bed | $1,085–$3,552 | $747–$1,795 | $514–$1,037 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,049–$5,275 | $1,332–$2,696 | $572–$1,160 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,506–$7,312 | $1,786–$3,448 | $702–$1,365 |
Note: These are ballpark figures based on verified quotes from January 2024. Your actual cost depends on exact inventory, timing, fuel, parking issues, and special services. Get quotes from at least three movers for real numbers.
Full-Service Movers vs. Containers vs. Rental Trucks
Full-service movers run $1,085–$7,312 depending on bedroom count. You pay for labor, fuel, and equipment. Most customers on this route report good value if they book April–August (peak season = higher prices).
Moving containers (like PODS) fall in the middle: $747–$3,448. You load at your own pace, they transport. No driving stress, but you're paying per container and for long-distance transport.
Rental trucks are cheapest ($514–$1,365) but demand the most from you—you drive 790 miles, do all the heavy lifting, and absorb fuel costs. Only viable if you have strong help and don't mind the fatigue.
What Shapes Your Final Bill
- Move size: More rooms = higher cost. A studio is drastically cheaper than a 4-bedroom.
- Season: Summer (June–August) is peak. Expect 15–25% premiums. Winter moves cost less but may face weather delays.
- Distance specifics: Local obstacles (narrow hallways, stairs, building fees in New York) push costs up.
- Valuation: Full-valuation coverage costs more than released value but protects your stuff.
- Timing flexibility: Flexible move dates let movers cluster you with other shipments, saving money.
Cost of Living: Chicago vs. New York
Before you pack, know what your wallet will face:
| Metric | Chicago | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $2,045/mo | $1,507/mo | 26% lower in NY |
| Avg. home cost | $295,743 | $482,742 | 63% higher in NY |
| Per capita income | $71,566 | $81,386 | 14% higher in NY |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 100 | 6% higher in Chicago |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.4% | Stronger job market in NY |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 10.9% | 120% higher in NY |
The takeaway: Rent is cheaper in New York, but homes are pricier and taxes are steep. Incomes run higher, which helps offset it. Your day-to-day expenses are nearly equivalent.
Climate & Lifestyle Shifts
| Factor | Chicago | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 84°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 19°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 44″ |
| Annual snow | 35″ | 62″ |
| Population | 2.7M | 19.6M |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 21.51 |
You'll face more snow (27 extra inches annually) and rain in New York, plus a significantly larger city. The crime rate is notably lower in New York, which many relocating families cite as a relief. Winter temperatures are nearly identical, so expect similar heating costs.
Why People Leave Chicago
- High crime rate
- Unpredictable weather swings
- Heavy traffic congestion
- High taxes
Why People Choose New York
- Natural beauty and parks
- Strong arts and cultural scene
- More job opportunities
- Lower crime rate
Before You Move: Legal & Logistical Must-Knows
New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) licensing: Your mover must hold a valid NYDOT license. Verify it on the official regulator's site before signing anything. This ensures compliance with safety, insurance, and operational rules.
Elevator reservations: If your New York building requires it, reserve the elevator well in advance—move-in day conflicts cost time and money.
Truck parking permits: Some NYC neighborhoods require parking permits for moving trucks. Check your specific building and block rules.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least one week before moving. You can do it online here.
Moving insurance: New York movers offer Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound, no cost) as baseline. For anything valuable, negotiate a higher valuation or buy third-party coverage. Get specifics in writing.
Timeline: Most Chicago-to-New York moves take 2–7 days. Summer season delays are common. Confirm your delivery window before you book.
Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track tasks and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Things to Do in New York
Museums:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- New York State Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
Parks:
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
Sports:
- New York City FC (MLS)
- Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
Universities:
- Columbia University
- New York University
- Cornell University
- University of Rochester
How Long Does a Chicago to New York Move Take?
Most professional movers complete this route in 2–7 days. The range depends on:
- Whether you book direct (faster) or via middlemen
- Summer vs. off-season (summer = longer due to demand)
- Whether they're making intermediate stops
Ask your mover for a guaranteed delivery window before you commit.
Do Chicago Movers Accept Cash?
About 29 out of 68 Chicago movers accept cash, but it's not the industry norm. Most require a deposit (traceable payment) to lock your booking, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Plan for credit card or check payment.
FAQs
Can I move art or antiques on this route? Yes. About 46 Chicago movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Confirm capabilities with your chosen mover before booking.
Should I hire a long-distance mover or use a rental truck? Hire a mover if you have valuable items, want to avoid the physical toll, or prefer a guaranteed delivery date. Use a rental truck only if you're handy, have strong help, and can manage the 790-mile drive yourself.
How do I compare costs? Get quotes from at least three movers using the MoveFinders calculator. Apples-to-apples pricing will show you what's reasonable on this route.
Is there a reverse route (New York to Chicago)? Yes—check our guide on moving to Chicago from New York.
Related Resources
- Best long-distance movers nationwide
- Moving cost guide
- Complete moving checklist
- How to choose a mover
- [Best Illinois movers
- [Moving to California](/movers/california)
- [Moving to Florida](/movers/florida)
- [Moving to Georgia](/movers/georgia)
- [Moving to Texas](/movers/texas)
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