Memphis, TN → Chicago, IL · Long-distance move
About 567 road miles heading north. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,550–$5,280, delivery in 2–5 days, 534 carriers on the Memphis side and 2,923 in Chicago.
The route from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL covers roughly 567 miles by road, a north-bound trip that falls into the long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $3,550 to $5,280 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 10 h 29 min.
On the Memphis side there are 534 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (397 of them authorized for interstate work), and 2,923 around Chicago (2,209 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Chicago.
Memphis has a population of about 609,647 and Chicago about 2.7 million. Chicago is the denser city (12,061 people per square mile versus 2,132 in Memphis), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. Illinois is a higher-cost state than Tennessee, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses. Note that Illinois does collect a state income tax, unlike Tennessee, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,420 | $1,730 | $2,110 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,130 | $2,600 | $3,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,550 | $4,330 | $5,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $5,680 | $6,920 | $8,450 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $7,810 | $9,520 | $11,620 |
$880–$1,250
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,530–$2,240
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,550–$5,280
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Memphis, TN → Chicago, IL. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Jit - Ex LLC
Legal name: Hub Group Dedicated LLC
Legal name: Freight Exchange Of North America LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,420 to $2,110 for a studio, $2,130 to $3,170 for a one-bedroom, $3,550 to $5,280 for a two-bedroom, $5,680 to $8,450 for a three-bedroom and $7,810 to $11,620 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 567 road miles (481 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 10 h 29 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Tennessee into Illinois makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $880 to $1,250 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,530 to $2,240. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Memphis–Chicago corridor.