Chicago to St. Louis movers & cost
Chicago to St. Louis covers approximately ~300 miles. For a 2-bedroom household, expect roughly $3,000–$5,200 with a full-service mover. This pairing is part of the broader Illinois to Missouri corridor — see that page for the full state-level picture.
Chicago to St. Louis cost by home size
| Home size | Typical full-service cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,900–$3,400 |
| 2 bedroom | $3,000–$5,200 |
| 3 bedroom | $4,300–$7,200 |
| 4+ bedroom | $6,500–$10,000 |
Use the moving cost calculator for a number specific to your exact move date and home contents.
Why people make this move
- Lower cost of living and housing costs than Illinois
- St. Louis and Kansas City both have growing logistics, healthcare, and tech job markets
- Missouri is also home to several major national van lines' corporate headquarters, giving the state deep moving-industry infrastructure
National carriers that serve this route
Every major national van line operates between Chicago and St. Louis. Read real reviews before booking:
Climate and lifestyle
Illinois and Missouri share a similar Midwest climate — cold winters, humid summers — with Missouri running slightly milder overall, especially in its southern half.
What to know about this corridor
- This corridor runs at a moderate distance — full-service, DIY, and container options are all reasonably competitive
- St. Louis and Kansas City have different costs of living and job markets — compare the specific metro, not just the state average
Planning basics for this move
- Get 3+ written estimates at least 4–8 weeks out, and confirm whether each is binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed.
- Verify your mover's USDOT/MC number on FMCSA SAFER before you pay any deposit.
- Ask specifically how weight vs. cubic-foot pricing applies to your quote — the two methods aren't directly comparable between companies.
- Confirm your delivery window in writing.
Who oversees movers on this route
Any moving company handling an interstate shipment between Chicago and St. Louis must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold an active USDOT number. Check a mover's registration and safety record directly on FMCSA SAFER before booking — see our full guide on verifying a USDOT/MC number.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to St. Louis?
For a typical 2–3 bedroom household, expect roughly $3,000–$7,200 with a full-service mover, depending on total weight and time of year. See the table below for other home sizes.
How far is it from Chicago to St. Louis?
Approximately ~300 miles by road, putting this move in the 250–1,000 miles range.
Why do people move from Chicago to St. Louis?
Lower cost of living and housing costs than Illinois. St. Louis and Kansas City both have growing logistics, healthcare, and tech job markets. Missouri is also home to several major national van lines' corporate headquarters, giving the state deep moving-industry infrastructure.
What's the best time of year to move from Chicago to St. Louis?
Fall through early spring (October–April) is typically cheaper and less in-demand than summer, which is peak moving season nationwide.
Is it cheaper to move myself from Chicago to St. Louis than to hire movers?
A DIY truck rental is usually the cheapest option if you're willing to drive it yourself and have help loading/unloading. A moving container splits the difference — you load it, a carrier drives.