Long Distance

Moving from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL

980 miles · 20h 30m drive · Estimated cost $2,100–$3,305 for a 2-bedroom move

980 miles

20h 30m drive

Cost Index: 1.01 → 1.02

Cost Estimate: Austin to Chicago

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$2,696

Range: $2,100 – $3,305

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$2,032

Range: $1,621 – $2,453

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$1,748

Range: $1,214 – $2,286

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Austin to Chicago move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Austin, TX → Chicago, IL · 980 miles

Low

$2,100

Estimated

$2,696

High

$3,305

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom long distance from Austin to Chicago.

Total$2,696

Labor(20.3%)

$480 – $617

Transportation(54.6%)

$1,161 – $1,786

Packing(19.2%)

$360 – $675

Insurance(3.8%)

$60 – $154

Tips(2.0%)

$39 – $74

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Austin to Chicago vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Austin

Texas

Destination

Chicago

Illinois

Cost of Living Index

101

102

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,550

$1,850

Average Rent (2BR)

$1,950

$2,300

State Income Tax

None

5.0%

Avg High Temperature

80°F

59°F

You'll spend ~19% more on housing

Average rent in Chicago is $2,075/mo vs $1,750/mo in Austin

Top Neighborhoods

Austin

South Congress
East Austin
Mueller
Hyde Park
Zilker

Chicago

Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Logan Square
Lakeview
Hyde Park

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 980-mile move from Austin to Chicago.

Get a binding estimate

Long-distance moves from Austin to Chicago can have surprise costs. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate protects you from a ballooning bill.

Move in winter to save big

January and February rates are 15–30% lower than the summer peak. If your timeline is flexible, a winter move from pays for itself.

Ship your car separately

At 980 miles, driving two vehicles is exhausting and expensive. Auto transport typically costs $800–$1,500 and eliminates wear on your car.

Inventory everything

Create a detailed, numbered inventory with photos before the movers arrive. This is essential for filing claims if anything goes missing or gets damaged.

Research your new city

Before arriving in Chicago, research neighborhoods, school districts, and local utilities so you can hit the ground running.

Use a portable container

Companies like PODS or U-Pack let you pack on your schedule and can be more affordable than traditional long-distance movers.

Top Moving Companies for Austin to Chicago

These nationally recognized movers service the Austin to Chicago route. Compare their rates and read reviews before choosing.

United Van Lines

$$$

4.3

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationInternational

Extensive nationwide agent network for reliable coverage
Offers a comprehensive online tracking and shipment management system
Strong reputation with decades of industry experience

Get a Free Quote

Allied Van Lines

$$$

4.2

Long DistanceMilitaryCorporate Relocation

Wide range of service options including packing and unpacking
Transparent online quote process with detailed estimates
Strong military and government relocation program

Get a Free Quote

Mayflower

$$$

4.1

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationStorage

Offers flexible moving and storage bundles
Provides detailed shipment tracking throughout the move
Well-established claims process for damaged items

Get a Free Quote

North American Van Lines

$$$

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationGovernment

Assigned personal move coordinator for each customer
ProMover certified with strong safety track record

Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Austin, TX to Chicago, IL ranges from $2,100 to $3,305, with a typical cost around $2,696. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $1,748. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Austin to Chicago take?

The distance from Austin to Chicago is approximately 980 miles. The estimated driving time is 20h 30m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 3–4 days to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Austin to Chicago?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 980-mile move, hiring professional movers is usually worth the investment. The logistics of a long-distance move are complex, and the physical toll of driving a large truck hundreds of miles can be overwhelming. Compare your DIY cost of ~$1,748 vs. full-service at ~$2,696 to decide.

How far is Austin from Chicago?

Austin, TX is approximately 980 miles from Chicago, IL. This is classified as a long distance and the drive takes roughly 20h 30m.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Austin to Chicago?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.