Best Chicago to Memphis Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Memphis Movers Cost?

Moving 535 miles from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Memphis that already have a booked job heading from Memphis to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Memphis from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Memphis moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Memphis moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Memphis movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Memphis move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Memphis movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Memphis moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 44 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Memphis areas.

From these 44 companies, we analyzed a total of 26,409 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 44 companies and 226 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~26,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 19,605 Chicago to Memphis moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like Garrett's Hauling) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Memphis moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.44/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 19,953 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.06/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 7,286 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.30/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 4,167 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.44/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 7,120 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.99/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 3,706 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.72/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 10,358 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.08/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 9,869 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.19/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 18,845 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.42/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 10,918 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.98/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 2,445 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.06/10 avg (Chicago & Memphis combined) from 9,828 reviews

From Chicago to Memphis: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Harbor Town in Memphis are both known for their: affluent riverfront community
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Memphis' Overton Square both share: arts district nightlife & shops
• If you're moving from Lakeview, check out South Main in the Memphis area for the: walkable dining & entertainment
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's craft breweries & eclectic boutiques? You're sure to love Cooper-Young
• Move from Andersonville to Cooper-Young and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic district & LGBTQ+ friendly
• Bucktown & Binghampton are both known for their: community arts & local boutiques
• Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood & Memphis' East Memphis neighborhood both have: upscale homes & shopping centers
• If you're moving from South Loop, look into Downtown for the: high-rise living & theaters
• Do you cherish living in Hyde Park's university-adjacent historic architecture? Move into Midtown for something similar
• The similar vibes of Pilsen & Binghampton are both known for: vibrant street art & cultural festivals

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Memphis

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Harsh winters
• Dense traffic
• High crime rates in areas

ProsMemphis, TN

• Lower cost of living
• Milder winters
• Less traffic congestion
• Lower overall crime rate

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Memphis, TN

• Smaller cultural scene
• Fewer dining options
• Limited public transit
• Less waterfront access

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Diverse dining options
• Extensive public transit
• Abundant parks and lakefront

Pros of moving from Chicago to Memphis

• Say goodbye to higher cost of living and hello to lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Memphis with milder winters
• Swap the dense traffic of Chicago for less traffic congestion in Memphis
• Get ready for a lower overall crime rate in Memphis

Cons of moving from Chicago to Memphis

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant cultural scene in Chicago to live with a smaller cultural scene in Memphis
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to limited public transit in Memphis
• Swap abundant parks and lakefront for less waterfront access

Chicago vs. Memphis: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Memphis, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Memphis. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Hot Dog, Memphis residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Smoked Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Chicago-style Vegan Deep-Dish they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Memphis. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Memphis, don't wait too long before making your way to Memphis' acclaimed eateries like Central BBQ, The Rendezvous, and Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken.

When comparing lifestyles, Memphis shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Memphis compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Memphis.

Discover Memphis Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Memphis is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Giordano's, and Portillo's in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar, Aldo's Pizza Pies, and Central BBQ in Memphis. See our Memphis restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Purple Pig, head to Hog & Hominy on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Memphis

• The Modern and skyscrapers architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Neoclassical architecture typical of Memphis.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and rooftop decks, Memphis real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and historical features.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Memphis is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Memphis is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Memphis has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Memphis housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $147,542 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Memphis have increased by 52% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Memphis is 39.46% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Memphis, TN

1. Midtown : You'll love Midtown for its numerous parks and green spaces, plus many pet-friendly cafes and shops that cater to your furry friends.
2. Cooper-Young : With its walkable streets and vibrant community, Cooper-Young offers plenty of outdoor seating and opportunities for leisurely walks with your pet.
3. Germantown : Known for its plethora of open parks and trails, Germantown provides an ideal setting for outdoor adventures with your pet.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Memphis

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to Memphis. Memphis gets 15% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• Memphis has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and cold waves in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential thunderstorms and tornadoes in Memphis.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Memphis is 7 degrees warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Memphis. Memphis receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Memphis

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Memphis tend to earn about 33% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Memphis is 25% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in TN is 0 (TN has no state income tax) compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Memphis is less affluent compared to that in Chicago
• The poverty level is higher in Memphis compared to that in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Chicago and less concerning in Memphis

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Memphis

• Chicago tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Memphis, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• Memphis' religious environment can be described as mixed with a strong Protestant presence
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Catholic presence

Chicago vs. Memphis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 26% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Memphis compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 4,680 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Memphis to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Memphis.