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Your Austin to Chicago Moving Company
Austin, TX to Chicago, IL Movers | Trusted Pros
- City-to-city long-distance moving. AVL manages your route from Austin through delivery in Chicago.
- One coordinator for the full route. The same contact guides you from quote through final delivery.
- Upfront flat-rate pricing. Your binding quote is set before moving day so you can plan ahead.
America's Trusted Moving Company Since 1995
What Our Customers Have To Say
R. R.
"A nice company to work with. Honest and cost friendly."Read More
Marlena Fineberg
"Francisco Montero was the best I Higley recommend him n his crew from American vanlines"Read More
Renea Troutman
"The process of setting up the move on the phone was straightforward. They communicated every step..."Read More
Nicole Conger
"TIM @ American literally made every single worry go away! I am signed up for a long distance move..."Read More
Vjera Zec
"I just moved form NJ to Florida and was super stressed throughout the entire process however the ..."Read More
How Much Will It Cost To Move From Austin to Chicago?
No two moves are exactly alike. Your cost to cover the 1,121 miles from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL will depend on things like how far you're going, how much you're bringing, and whether you'd like help packing everything up. Pickup to delivery typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Home size can make a big difference in moving costs. Use the estimates below to get a general idea, then call us to narrow down the cost for your move.
| Home Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,661 - $4,941 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,715 - $5,965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,438 - $5,943 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,185 - $7,420 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,529 - $7,998 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Moving From Austin to Chicago
There's no single price for a long-distance move. Your total depends on a handful of factors, from how far you're going to how much you're bringing with you.
- Timing of your move: Moving demand is generally highest during the summer months. If your schedule allows, an off-season move can mean more availability and may help you avoid peak-season pricing.
- Professional vs. DIY: Doing the move yourself means arranging the truck, equipment, driving, and loading on your own. A full-service carrier like American Van Lines handles the transportation and heavy lifting, giving you fewer moving-day logistics to manage yourself.
- Exact distance: At 1,121 miles, distance becomes a significant part of the move. More time on the road means higher transportation costs than you'd see on a shorter route.
- Size of move: A 1-bedroom move on this route starts around $2,661, while a 5-bedroom move can cost up to $7,998. Larger homes generally require more labor, time, and truck space, which increases the overall cost.
Let AVL Handle Your Austin to Chicago Move
Official Mover of the Florida Panthers
American Van Lines is the official moving partner of the NHL's Florida Panthers, a distinction that we're proud to hold alongside our other national awards and recognitions.
Flat-Rate Pricing You Can Count On
AVL offers flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. What you're quoted is what you pay, with no surprise charges on moving day or last-minute add-ons. Just a clear number you can plan around.
Storage That Fits Your Timeline
Delivery on this route typically takes 2 to 8 days. If your new home in Chicago isn't ready when your belongings arrive, our secure, climate-controlled storage can keep them protected until you're ready for delivery.
Your Dedicated Move Coordinator
Every customer gets a dedicated move coordinator who guides the process from booking to delivery. They handle logistics and paperwork and keep you informed every step of the way.
Full or Partial Packing Services
Don't want to deal with the boxes? Our team can handle packing all of it, or just the tricky parts. We use quality materials and careful techniques to protect your belongings in transit.
Long-Distance Experience You Can Trust
At 1,121 miles, this route takes careful planning from pickup through delivery. Our experienced crews and coordinators handle the timing, transportation, and details that come with a long-distance move of this distance.
American Van Lines is more than just a moving company. We're a team dedicated to making your life easier.
We're here to take the stress out of moving. From the moment you get in touch to the final delivery, our team stays focused on making the entire process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Why Choose American Van Lines
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A trusted carrier with a proven track record. We’re a licensed interstate carrier, not a broker, and have been family-owned since 1995. Take a look at our credentials.
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Upfront pricing you can plan around. Our flat-rate pricing and binding estimates protect your budget from unexpected charges on moving day.
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One dedicated team from start to finish. Work directly with American Van Lines from planning through delivery, and let your coordinator and experienced moving crew handle every detail.
American Van Lines is a 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice Best National Moving Company and a 2024 Customer Service Champion, with five consecutive years of America's Best Customer Service recognition from 2019–2023.
Living in Chicago vs. Austin
Relocating from Austin, TX, to Chicago, IL? You're not just changing scenery. You're stepping into a more affordable lifestyle. Chicago tends to be easier on the wallet, giving you a chance to enjoy more of what you love without stretching your budget.
Check out how the two cities compare in home values and rent prices, as well as salaries and employment rates.
Home Values
Buying a home in Chicago might hurt your budget less. The average home value there is $317,509, noticeably lower than the $512,969 average in Austin.
Rent
Rent prices in Chicago average $2,045, higher than $1,765 in Austin, so you might want to budget a bit more for housing.
Employment
The job market in Chicago is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 9.0%, compared to 3.5% in Austin. Major employers in Chicago include U.S. Government, Chicago Public Schools, and City of Chicago.
Income
Average income in Chicago is lower than in Austin, so you might notice a dip in salary. With earnings around $75,134, Chicago falls below the $91,461 average in Austin.
Cost Of Living
| Monthly Expense | Austin | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive Meal | $20 | $25 |
| 3-Course Meal for 2 | $78 | $100 |
| One Dozen Eggs | $4 | $5 |
| Milk (One Gallon) | $4.24 | $3.82 |
| Loaf of White Bread | $4 | $4 |
| Utilities | $181 | $191 |
| Internet | $66 | $64 |
| Gym Membership | $62 | $78 |
| Preschool | $1,394 | $2,181 |
Moving Services From Austin to Chicago
Built for the Long Haul
Long-distance moves take more coordination than a move across town, from longer transit times to the logistics of getting everything from one city to another. It's the kind of move we specialize in. Your Austin to Chicago move is planned with the distance in mind.
Learn MoreFull-Service Packing and Unpacking
We'll box, wrap, and pad everything with high-quality materials and unpack it all at your new home. Whether it's everyday items or cherished heirlooms, we know how to protect what matters most.
Learn MoreSafe Transport for Furniture and Fragile Items
We wrap, pad, and secure every piece before moving it. Oversized furniture is disassembled and reassembled, and delicate items get the extra attention they deserve.
Learn MoreCorporate and Employee Relocation
Moving an employee or team from Austin to Chicago? American Van Lines can coordinate the moving details with your company and employees to help keep the relocation organized from start to finish.
Learn MoreStorage That Bridges the Gap
Move-out and move-in dates don't always line up. If there's a gap between leaving Austin and getting into your new place in Chicago, we can keep your belongings in secure, climate-controlled storage until you're ready for delivery.
Learn MoreMilitary Moving
Moving from Austin on orders? We're proud to support service members with moves tailored to military requirements. We're also one of 2 movers out of 31 in Austin that offer a service member discount.
Learn MoreLife in Chicago Compared to Austin
If you're coming to Chicago from Austin, here's how the two cities stack up in a few key areas.
Weather
Expect milder summer heat in Chicago, where average temperatures top out around 84°F, noticeably lower than the 96°F you're used to in Austin.
Safety & Crime Ratings
Statistically, Chicago has lower crime rates than Austin, with a crime index of 35.19 versus 42.91. Neighborhoods such as Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are among the safest.
Pedestrian Friendliness
With a walkability score of 77, Chicago makes it easier to run errands and explore without a car, especially compared to Austin's score of 42.
Biking Safety & Access
If biking is your thing, Chicago may be the better fit. It scores 72 out of 100 for bike-friendliness, compared to Austin's 54. Cities above 50 are generally considered bikeable.
Things To Do
Looking for things to do in Chicago? Don't miss Millennium Park, Crown Fountain, and The Cloud Gate, Navy Pier, and Art Institute of Chicago. Parks like Millennium Park, Grant Park, and The 606 offer outdoor fun, while museums such as The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Art Institute of Chicago deliver a cultural fix.
Sports fans can also find excitement with local teams like Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), and Chicago White Sox (MLB).
Award-Winning Service From Austin to Chicago
A 1,121-mile move from Austin to Chicago calls for a mover you can trust, and American Van Lines has the recognition to back that up. Here are a few accolades:
- A moveBuddha Certified Mover. American Van Lines has earned moveBuddha Certified Mover status, which recognizes movers that meet moveBuddha's standards for licensing, insurance, and customer service.
- Reviewed's Best National Mover of 2026. Reviewed readers named American Van Lines the Best National Moving Company of 2026, selecting us from 15 expert-nominated national moving companies.
- A USA Today Customer Service Champion. USA Today named American Van Lines one of America's Customer Service Champions in 2024, recognizing companies for their customer service.
moveBuddha Certified
Licensing, insurance, and customer service vetted by moveBuddha. Learn more
Moving From Austin to Chicago: What To Expect
Here's a quick look at how we handle your move from start to finish:
Start With a Free Quote
Getting started is easy. Request a free quote, and we'll ask a few quick questions about your inventory, your schedule, and your Chicago address to create a detailed flat-rate estimate for the 1,121-mile trip.
Get Guidance From Your Coordinator
Once you book, your move coordinator becomes your go-to contact. They'll schedule your pickup against the 2 to 8 day delivery window, handle paperwork, and help with any changes or questions along the way.
Add Services as Needed
Need packing support, storage, or help with specialty items? We'll tailor your services to match your move to Chicago, so you get the right level of help without paying for extras you don't want.
Know What to Expect on Move Day
Before the truck arrives in Austin, we'll send clear guidance and reminders to prepare you for moving day. You'll understand the timeline, what to set aside, and what our crew will take care of when they arrive.
Professional Loading & On-the-Road Updates
On moving day, our crew handles the heavy lifting and loads everything securely for transit. Then your belongings make the 1,121-mile trip to Chicago, and you'll receive tracking and progress updates along the way.
Delivery With Care & Final Check-In
When we arrive, we'll unload and place your items where you want them, treating your home with care. After delivery, your coordinator will follow up to make sure you're happy with the move.
Tips for Moving From Austin to Chicago
- Measure before you move. Check doorways, stairwells, and tight corners at your new place in Chicago, then measure large furniture so you know what will fit.
- Keep important paperwork together. Store leases, moving documents, IDs, and anything you'll need on arrival in one labeled folder you carry with you.
- Use towels and linens as padding. Wrap fragile items with what you already own to save money on packing supplies and protect your belongings.
- Plan for arrival day. Confirm utility setup, parking rules, and elevator reservations ahead of time so move-in goes smoothly.
Moving From Austin to Chicago FAQs
How much should I budget for a move from Austin to Chicago?
You can expect a professional move from Austin to Chicago to range from about $2,661 to $7,998, depending on your move size and services. We'll give you a flat-rate quote based on the details of your move before moving day.
What's the typical delivery time from Austin to Chicago?
For a move from Austin to Chicago, you can typically expect delivery within 2 to 8 days. We'll confirm your delivery window and keep you updated as your move progresses.
Is American Van Lines a broker or a carrier?
American Van Lines is a licensed interstate carrier, not a moving broker. We're registered with the FMCSA and operate under our own USDOT authority, so you work directly with the company handling your move. We also offer full valuation coverage, which 8 of the 31 movers we track in Austin provide.
Will your team pack my belongings for me?
Yes. American Van Lines offers both full and partial packing for moves from Austin to Chicago, so you can decide how much help you need. We're also one of 3,122 movers out of 3,209 nationwide that offer full packing services.
Do I need to buy my own boxes and packing supplies?
That depends on how much packing help you choose. If American Van Lines is handling some or all of your packing, your coordinator will let you know which supplies are included and which ones you'll need to provide.