Compare top Chicago movers for your New York relocation. Get honest reviews, accurate pricing for all move sizes, and what to expect on this 790-mile route.
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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.
Out of 68 Chicago-based operators who run interstate moves, these five stand out for customer satisfaction and follow-through on long-distance work:
H2H Movers Inc — 4.72 / 5 stars
Alliance Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5 stars
New City Moving — 4.66 / 5 stars
The Professionals Moving Specialists — 4.64 / 5 stars
Looking at the 68 movers we track in Illinois:
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 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.
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.
| 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.
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.
Museums:
Parks:
Sports:
Universities:
Most professional movers complete this route in 2–7 days. The range depends on:
Ask your mover for a guaranteed delivery window before you commit.
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.
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.
Ready to move? Compare quotes from vetted movers in your area and lock in a rate within hours.
STI Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.72 / 5 stars
