Moving from Chicago to Nevada: Best Movers & Cost Guide
If you're moving from Chicago to Nevada, you're looking at roughly 1,785 miles and a significant lifestyle shift—warmer winters, lower rent, and zero state income tax on the Nevada side. The tradeoff: desert heat, lower humidity, and a very different vibe.
I've dug into the data on Chicago movers who handle this route regularly. Below, I've flagged the operators with the strongest track records, real cost breakdowns, and what you actually need to know before packing the truck.
Top-rated movers from Chicago to Nevada
Out of roughly 68 Chicago-based movers licensed for interstate work, here are the five that consistently show up in customer reviews and regulatory records:
- 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
- STI Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.72 / 5 stars
H2H Movers Inc
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (412) | Google (1,556) | BBB (Grade A+)
Address: 4250 N Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60613
What works: Out of 640 real customer reviews, 88% were positive. People consistently praise efficient service, on-time arrival, and crews that actually seem to care about your stuff. Quotes tend to hold steady without surprise fees tacked on at the end—that's rare enough to mention.
What doesn't: About 9% report unexpected charges, occasional damage, or slow claim resolution if something breaks. Some noted delays in delivery on the back end.
Services: Local and interstate moves, full packing/unpacking, piano and art moving, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (773) 236-8797 | License #184599 | DOT #2428328
Alliance Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (25) | Google (33) | BBB (Grade A+)
Address: 3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
What works: 95.5% positive feedback from 247 reviews. Fast scheduling, transparent pricing, and crews that respect your property. People appreciate the professionalism and how quickly they finish the job compared to others. Clear communication throughout.
What doesn't: A small percentage report unexpected charges, occasional item damage, or difficulty reaching someone after the move if an issue pops up. Confirming all charges upfront helps avoid friction.
Services: Local and interstate moves, full packing, office relocations, pianos, pool tables, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (847) 378-4949 | License #214845 | DOT #2882675
New City Moving
Rating: 4.66 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (1,194) | Google (2,393) | BBB (Grade A+)
Address: 2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
What works: 92.4% positive from 1,451 reviews. Their speed is genuine—moves finish faster than quoted. Crews are professional, careful with belongings, and communicate clearly. People note they show up on time and handle finicky items well.
What doesn't: About 6% report damage to items, unexpected charges, or frustration when filing damage claims. Only 1.8% landed neutral, mostly citing minor packing or organizational hiccups.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office moves, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing.
Contact: (773) 489-0600 | License #158051 | DOT #3078026
The Professionals Moving Specialists
Rating: 4.64 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (1,064) | Google (3,993) | BBB (Grade A+)
Address: 3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
What works: 92.5% positive from 1,349 reviews—solid consistency. Customers consistently highlight efficiency, quick completion, careful handling, and rare damage incidents. Booking is straightforward, and the teams respect your space and special requests.
What doesn't: Some complaints about scratches or dents, final charges exceeding estimates due to extra materials, and unexpected add-ons. These are less frequent than praise, but worth confirming pricing details upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, office relocations, pianos, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, multiple payment methods.
Contact: (888) 225-7351 | License #136144 | DOT #3383907
STI Moving & Storage Inc.
Rating: 4.72 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (425) | Google (1,080) | BBB (Grade A+)
Address: 7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
What works: 68% positive from 538 reviews. Crews are efficient, friendly, and reliable. Many report moves finishing faster than expected, with careful packing and solid respect for belongings. Good communication and organized teams.
What doesn't: 29% report damage, delays (especially on long-distance moves), or charges higher than quoted. Damage claims resolution can be complex. For long-distance or specialty needs, review their policies carefully.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Contact: (847) 675-1223 | Pricing: $150/hr | License #139020 | DOT #1308599
Cost to move from Chicago to Nevada
Here's what you're actually looking at in terms of dollars. These are approximate estimates based on a 1,785-mile move, compiled from real quotes and market data as of early 2026.
| Move Size | Professional Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,093 – $4,481 | $1,014 – $2,451 | $1,006 – $1,917 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,048 – $6,490 | $1,936 – $3,810 | $1,078 – $2,349 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,261 – $9,454 | $2,393 – $5,119 | $1,426 – $2,763 |
Why the range? Load size, extra services (crating, storage), parking/access issues, fuel price swings, and your move date all factor in. Peak summer months run higher. Get quotes from multiple movers to nail down your actual number.
Cost breakdown by service type
Full-service movers
Full-service is the expensive option—but they do everything. For a 1-bedroom studio, expect $1,093–$4,481. A 2–3 bedroom home runs $3,048–$6,490. Four-plus bedrooms: $5,261–$9,454. The wide range reflects whether you're getting basic service or white-glove treatment with full packing and specialty item handling.
Moving containers (PODS-style)
Moving containers give you flexibility—load on your schedule, they transport it, unload when you're ready. Small moves (studio/1 bedroom): $1,014–$2,451. 2–3 bedrooms: $1,936–$3,810. Larger homes: $2,393–$5,119. This is often cheaper than full-service but requires some hands-on work from you.
Rental truck DIY
Rental trucks are the budget play. Studio/1 bedroom: $1,006–$1,917. 2–3 bedrooms: $1,078–$2,349. 4+ bedrooms: $1,426–$2,763. Fuel is included in these estimates. Catch: you're doing all the lifting, packing, and 1,785 miles of driving. Factor in your time and physical toll.
What shapes the cost of your Chicago to Nevada move
Move size
Bigger home, more stuff. A 1-bedroom costs half what a 4-bedroom does. Seems obvious, but it's the single largest driver of price.
Time of year
Summer (June–August) is peak moving season. Rates spike 20–30% compared to off-season. If you can move in fall or winter, you'll save.
DIY vs. professional
DIY saves money upfront but costs in stress, time, and risk of damage. Professionals cost more but handle logistics and liability.
Distance and logistics
1,785 miles from Chicago to Nevada is a long haul. Interstate fuel surcharges apply. If your Chicago apartment requires elevator reservation or has tight parking, that adds fees. Same on the Nevada end if there's no easy loading access.
Cost of living: Chicago vs. Nevada
Before you move, it's worth knowing what your day-to-day expenses will look like. Here's the reality:
| Metric | Chicago | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,045 | $1,382 |
| Average home cost | $295,743 | $442,185 |
| Per capita income | $71,566 | $71,646 |
| Cost of living index | 106 | 100 |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0% |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.7% |
What this means for you:
- Rent drops 32%. Huge relief if you're renting in Vegas, Reno, or smaller Nevada cities.
- Home prices jump 50%. If you're buying, Nevada is pricier. Factor in your down payment and long-term equity.
- Income is roughly equal. Your paycheck will stretch similarly in terms of purchasing power.
- Cost of living is 6% lower. Nevada edges out Chicago on groceries, utilities, and general spending.
- No state income tax. Nevada keeps it simple. Illinois takes 4.95%. If you make $50K, that's $2,475 more in your pocket yearly.
- Unemployment is lower. Nevada's job market is tighter (5.7% vs. 9.0%), suggesting easier employment prospects.
Climate and lifestyle differences
Weather
Chicago winters are brutal—19°F lows, 35 inches of snow. Nevada averages 27°F lows and 22 inches of snow. Summer? Chicago hits 84°F; Nevada soars to 96°F. You're trading bitter cold for intense heat. Rainfall in Nevada is 8 inches yearly vs. Chicago's 38 inches—way drier.
Crime
Chicago's crime index is 35.19; Nevada's is 28.34. Nevada is statistically safer, though crime varies by neighborhood (Las Vegas differs from Reno).
Culture and politics
Chicago leans heavily Democratic (74%). Nevada is closer to 50-50. Chicago has world-class museums, deep sports culture, and dense urban energy. Nevada offers wide-open recreation—hiking, skiing, desert scenery—and a more individualistic, less crowded vibe.
Population
Chicago: 2.7 million. Nevada: 3.2 million. But Nevada is spread out. You'll feel less crowded in many areas.
Key logistics before you move
Nevada state licensing
Movers operating in Nevada must comply with the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). Verify your mover's license on the NTA's regulatory site before booking. This is non-negotiable for interstate moves.
Parking permits and truck reservation
Some Nevada cities require moving truck permits or reserved parking for large vehicles. Check with your local municipality before your move date. You don't want surprise fines or the truck turned away.
Change of address
File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. Go to USPS.com and select your official move date. Mail forwarding takes a few days to activate.
Elevator reservation
If your Chicago building has an elevator, reserve it early—moving day conflicts cost time and money. Same applies in Nevada if you're moving into a multi-unit building.
Moving insurance
Nevada doesn't mandate special moving insurance, but coverage matters. Most movers offer Released Value Protection (free, minimal coverage)—you'd only get 60 cents per pound per item if something breaks. A 30-pound sculpture damaged? You get $18. For full-value protection, ask your mover about additional insurance or check third-party providers.
HOA and community rules
If you're moving into an HOA community in Nevada, check their moving-day rules—some restrict hours, require prior notice, or limit vehicle sizes. Better to know upfront.
Timeline: How long does this move take?
Most Chicago-to-Nevada moves take 5 to 16 days, depending on your service type and season. Full-service movers typically deliver within 10–14 days. Moving containers offer more flexibility—you load and unload on your schedule. Peak summer (June–August) means longer wait times; off-season moves are usually faster. Ask your mover for an estimated delivery window before committing.
Things to do in Nevada (beyond heat and casinos)
Museums
- National Automobile Museum (Reno)
- The Mob Museum (Las Vegas)
- Nevada State Museum (Carson City)
- Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
Parks and outdoor
- Great Basin National Park (stunning, underrated)
- Aliante Nature Discovery Park (Las Vegas)
- Sparks Marina Park
- Hemenway Park (Reno area)
Sports
- Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
- Las Vegas Raiders (NFL)
- Vegas Golden Knights (NHL)
Higher education
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada
Frequently asked questions
How long does a move from Chicago to Nevada take?
5 to 16 days on average, depending on whether you're using full-service movers, containers, or DIY. Expect longer during summer. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Do Chicago movers offer crating for fragile items?
Yes—46 Chicago movers list custom crating services. If you're moving art, antiques, pianos, or oddly shaped items, ask about crate specs and customization before booking.
Can I ship my car from Chicago to Nevada?
Yes. Look for a mover or auto transport company with solid reviews and proven experience shipping vehicles over long distances. Many of the long-distance movers listed above offer car shipping or can refer you to a partner.
Why are people moving from Chicago to Nevada?
Better job market (lower unemployment), warmer winters, zero state income tax, cheaper rent, and recreational opportunities. The downsides: extreme summer heat, lower humidity, and smaller urban amenities.
Why are people leaving Nevada for Chicago?
Some can't handle the heat. Others miss the cultural density, public transit, and walkability. Chicago's job market is also competitive in tech, finance, and media.
Can I pay my Chicago movers in cash?
About 29 movers in the Chicago area accept cash. However, most prefer traceable payments (credit card, check, bank transfer) and digital receipts. Standard practice: deposit upfront to secure the date and crew, remainder at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment timing and methods before booking.
Related resources
Use our moving cost calculator to compare quotes from multiple Chicago-to-Nevada movers in minutes.
Popular routes from Chicago:
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Chicago to New York City
- Chicago to Atlanta
- Chicago to Florida
- Chicago to North Carolina
- Chicago to Texas
Moving guides:
Bottom line: Moving from Chicago to Nevada is doable, and the five movers above have track records to back up their ratings. Get multiple quotes before committing, lock in your Nevada mover's license, and plan your move for off-season if you can. The financial upside—no state income tax, lower rent—makes the logistics worth the effort.