Moving from Chicago to Phoenix: what it costs in 2026
Chicago, IL → Phoenix, AZ is about 1742 road miles.
Estimates below use published 2026 industry rates — no phone number required.
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Planning estimate — get 3 binding written quotes; see the scam checklist below.
2026 cost table for this route
Home size
Professional (range)
DIY truck rental
Studio
$1,650 – $2,950
$950
1 bedroom
$2,100 – $3,800
$1,250
2 bedrooms
$3,600 – $6,500
$2,200
3 bedrooms
$5,100 – $9,200
$3,150
4 bedrooms
$6,600 – $11,900
$4,150
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Phoenix?
About 1742 road miles. A professional 2-bedroom move runs roughly $3,600–$6,500 in 2026; DIY with a rental truck about $2,200 plus your time. Larger homes scale up per the table on this page.
How long will the move take?
Driving time is ~4–5 days. Professional carriers usually quote a delivery window of 3–9 days for this distance, since loads are often consolidated.
When is it cheapest to move?
October–April, on a weekday, mid-month. Peak season (May–September) and month-end weekends run 15–25% higher. 2026 note: industry pricing is up ~21% year-over-year on fuel, steepest on the West Coast.
How do I avoid moving scams?
Get at least 3 written binding (or binding-not-to-exceed) estimates after a video or in-home survey — never a phone-only quote. Verify the carrier's USDOT number on the FMCSA website, and be wary of large deposits: reputable movers charge most of the fee on delivery.
Methodology & sources
Distance: straight-line between city centers × 1.2 road factor ≈ 1742 miles (actual routes vary).
Rate anchors from published 2026 moving-industry pricing (Angi, ConsumerAffairs, moveBuddha and carrier guides): long-distance professional moves ≈ $1.15 per bedroom-mile (±30%) plus base costs; DIY truck rental ≈ $0.55 per bedroom-mile; long-distance loads also quoted at $0.50–0.80/lb. 2026 note: industry pricing rose ~21% year-over-year on fuel costs, steepest on the West Coast.
DIY figure covers truck rental, fuel and basic equipment — not lodging, packing materials or your labor.