Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Apr, 10 2026
If you’re currently a resident of Windy City and looking to relocate, you’re likely wondering what the average cost of moving to Chicago is. We don’t blame you. While moving is a fascinating time, it can also be stressful and pricey. Hiring a professional moving company can help alleviate much of the stress associated with moving, but how do you keep costs as low as possible?
The best way to get a handle on your hauling costs is to know what your local (under 100 miles) moving company considers when calculating your estimate. You need to be aware of the factors that influence the price of the move and which variables you have control over. With this knowledge, finding the ideal price with a moving company that meets your needs and surpasses your expectations will be much easier.
Factors that Impact the Cost of Chicago Movers
Numerous variables impact the cost of moving to Chicago. While it may seem overwhelming, when you know which factors can increase your overall cost, you are armed with the information needed to help keep your costs low. When professional relocating companies estimate the price of a move, they consider several factors. Although some may be obvious, such as the size of your home, others may not be as clear.
- Your inventory list and the size of your home. Of course, a studio apartment will be faster to move than a four-bedroom house. The larger your home, the more expensive your move will be. When you request a quote from your local hauling company, make sure that you give them as much detail as possible. The more accurate your inventory, the more precise your estimate will be.
- Elevators and stairs. When calculating your estimate, professional movers consider elevators, stairs, and even the distance from the moving truck to your front door. For example, if you’re moving to or from a home that has a driveway, it’ll be much more convenient for your movers. Relocating to or from an apartment building with numerous flights of stairs – or if your movers must wait for an elevator – will increase the time your move takes.
- Travel time. In most cases, professional movers charge a flat fee for the travel from their facility to your origin location and then from your destination location back to their facility. You'll likely save some money if the moving company is located near one or both. Since your movers are on the clock during the drive from your current home to your new home, you’ll pay the hourly rate for a long drive or heavy traffic.
- Moving date. Many choose to move in a milder month, especially in a place like Chicago that experiences brutal winters. However, did you know that your specific shifting date can impact the price of your move? Hourly shifting rates are typically lower during the off-season, from November through February. On the other hand, you can expect higher rates during peak season – March through October – because of the higher demand.
For local moves, professional companies charge by the hour. While some of the costs above are unavoidable, there are some ways that you can control the final price of your move.
How Much Do Haulers Cost Per Hour in Chicago?
The hourly rate for your professional movers will vary based on the company you choose and how many movers will be on your crew. While some companies charge a “per mover” rate, most charge a flat rate for the entire crew. The following table outlines a general idea of crew rates per hour for movers in Chicago:
| Crew Size | Average Cost Range |
| Two-person crew | $90 to $115 an hour |
| Three-person crew | $120 to $140 an hour |
| Four-person crew | $150 to $175 an hour |
The size of your moving crew will depend on the size of your home and how much stuff you have to move. Most companies have minimums, so make sure that you check with your moving company—especially if you have a more minor move. In most cases, the minimum for local moves is two hours.
What is the Average Cost of Relocating?
It’s important to understand that the cost can vary considerably. Ultimately, the price is determined based on the size of your home, the number of items to be moved, travel time, and any additional services you select. Though, with factors and hourly rates in mind, let’s take a look at what the typical Chicago local moving company costs:
| Home Size | Crew Size | Minimum Cost (Two Hours) | Hourly Rate | Time | Average Total Cost |
| Studio | Two movers | $315 | $90 an hour | 3 hours | $400 |
| One-bedroom | Two movers | $315 | $90 an hour | 4 hours | $490 |
| Two-bedroom | Three movers | $375 | $120 an hour | 6 hours | $850 |
| Three-bedroom | Four movers | $435 | $150 an hour | 7 hours | $1,185 |
| Four-bedroom | Four movers | $435 | $150 an hour | 9 hours | $1,500 |
Keep in mind that the costs outlined above are just averages. What you move, and the moving services you choose will significantly impact pricing. For instance, you can expect to pay more to have your large, heavy antique wardrobe carefully hauled up three flights of stairs.
Why Hire Professional Shifters?
When you hire professional movers, you are partnering with experts who will help ease the stress of your move. The best hauling companies will be with you every step of the way—from the initial planning stages until the last box is unloaded in your new home. They will ensure the safety of your belongings and may even offer additional services such as packing and storage.
With professional Chicago movers, you can rest assured that your belongings will be packed, loaded, and unloaded with the utmost care. In addition to moving services, reputable companies offer packing and unpacking services. Packing is undeniably the most stressful and time-consuming part of moving – so why not leave it to the experts?
Hire the Local Shifting Experts at Three Movers
When it comes down to it, there is no more efficient or convenient way to move than with professional Chicago movers. At Three Movers, our highly trained and experienced staff knows how to handle your belongings so that you’ll never have to worry about anything getting broken or damaged during the process.
If you need professional services in Chicago, look no further than Three Mover. With us, you won’t have to worry about forking over too much hard-earned cash on your move, as we are some of the most affordable movers in the Chicagoland area. To learn more about how we can simplify your move, contact one of our moving experts today to request your free, no-obligation moving quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Chicago local moves range $650–$2,400, depending on home size, packing help, number of movers, and building access. High-rises in the Loop or River North often require freight elevator scheduling, loading dock coordination, and longer walking distances, increasing labor time. Moves that reach 50–100 miles within Illinois may fall under intrastate pricing. For a clearer estimate by home size and labor hours, see the average cost of movers calculator.
Hourly labor in Chicago typically ranges $55–$120 per mover, with most local jobs using 2–4 movers for 3–7 total hours. Rates rise in dense downtown areas where parking, dock access, and freight elevator rules slow loading. Winter weather, long-carry distances, heavy furniture, and packing tasks can extend crew time. Local work is billed hourly, while interstate jobs follow FMCSA weight and mileage rules.
Expect $650–$1,400 for a standard 1–2 bedroom apartment. Older walk-ups in Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Uptown often require extra labor due to multiple stair flights, limited street parking, or narrow access paths. High-rises add time through freight elevator reservations and load dock windows. Packing, fragile prep, and larger sectionals also influence total time.
A typical 3–4 bedroom, 2,000 sq ft home usually costs $1,800–$3,500 locally. These moves require 3–5 movers, multi-room packing, and longer loading times. Suburban areas like Oak Park or Evanston may be faster to access, while tight Chicago neighborhoods add permit parking and alley loading constraints. Families planning cross-state relocations should review available long distance moving services.
Costs shift with seasonal demand and weather. Summer is Chicago’s busiest moving season, increasing competition for crews, elevators, and loading docks. Winter introduces snow, ice, and slower loading, adding labor hours and protective floor prep. Mid-week scheduling outside June–August often provides steadier rates and smoother logistics when using any core moving services.
Many high-rise moves involve added time for freight elevator access, security desk check-ins, loading dock distance, and parking permits near the Loop. These factors extend labor rather than adding arbitrary charges. Long-carry walks, oversized furniture, or strict building windows increase crew hours. For more local guidance, review available local moving companies.
