Best Memphis to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Memphis to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 533 miles from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Memphis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Memphis entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Memphis to Chicago moving option

Hire local Memphis 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Memphis to Chicago 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 Memphis to Chicago 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 44 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Memphis and Chicago 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 Memphis to Chicago 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 Memphis to Chicago 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 (Memphis & Chicago combined) from 19,953 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Memphis to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Midtown in Memphis & Logan Square in Chicago are both known for their: eclectic arts district with historic homes
• Memphis' Cooper-Young neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park both share: hip neighborhood with local shops & nightlife
• If you're moving from Downtown, check out River North in the Chicago area for the: central business district with dining & galleries
• Do you enjoy East Memphis' affluent residential area with parks & schools? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from Overton Square to West Loop and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: dining & entertainment corridor
• Harbor Town & Streeterville are both known for their: upscale waterfront planned community
• Memphis' Whitehaven neighborhood & Chicago's Beverly neighborhood both have: residential family-friendly South Side area
• If you're moving from Binghampton, look into Pilsen for the: emerging arts community with street murals
• Do you cherish living in Soulsville's historic African American cultural district? Move into Bronzeville for something similar
• The similar vibes of Germantown & Andersonville are both known for: village-like shopping street & local boutiques

Pros and Cons of Moving from Memphis to Chicago

ConsMemphis, TN

• Higher crime rates
• Hot, humid summers
• Less public transportation options
• Smaller cultural scene
• Fewer job opportunities

ProsChicago, IL

• Lower crime rates in selected neighborhoods
• Milder summers
• Extensive public transit system
• Rich cultural experiences
• Greater job market

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Less personal atmosphere
• Can feel overwhelming
• Different culinary scene
• Denser living conditions

Memphis, TN

• Lower cost of living
• Warm, friendly community
• Close-knit neighborhoods
• Barbecue cuisine
• Spacious living

Pros of moving from Memphis to Chicago

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates in selected neighborhoods
• Look forward to moving away from hot, humid summers and moving to Chicago with milder summers
• Swap the fewer public transportation options of Memphis for an extensive public transit system in Chicago
• Get ready for rich cultural experiences in Chicago

Cons of moving from Memphis to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Memphis to live with the higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of a warm, friendly community and have to settle for the con of a less personal atmosphere
• Time to bid farewell to close-knit neighborhoods and get used to what can feel overwhelming in Chicago
• Swap barbecue cuisine for a different culinary scene

Memphis vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Memphis to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Barbecue ribs of Memphis for the equally delicious Deep-dish pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Memphis rave about their flavorful Pulled pork and sumptuous Barbecue nachos, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jerk tofu they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan wings of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Memphis eateries like The Rendezvous, Cozy Corner, and Central BBQ. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea.

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Memphis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar, Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, and Central BBQ in Memphis, we're sure you'll love Eno Wine Bar, Harold's Chicken Shack, and Smoque BBQ in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Memphis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Hog & Hominy, head to Avec on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Memphis and Chicago

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Memphis is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Georgian architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Memphis's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transport.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Memphis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Memphis.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Memphis.
• Chicago housing costs are 96% more expensive than they are in Memphis, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Memphis’s $147,542.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 52% increase in Memphis.
• Rent in Chicago is 65.19% more expensive than in Memphis.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Memphis to Chicago. Chicago gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Memphis.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Memphis.
• Say goodbye to the possible floods and tornadoes in Memphis but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Chicago.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 7 degrees colder than in Memphis.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Memphis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Memphis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Memphis and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 50% more than in Memphis
• The COLI in Chicago is 33% higher than what you are used to living in Memphis
• Bummer... By moving from TN to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Memphis
• The poverty level is moderate in Chicago compared to significant poverty in Memphis
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Memphis and concerning in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Memphis vs. Chicago

• Memphis tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
• Memphis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Memphis vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 40% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Memphis commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Memphis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.