Cost to Move from Chicago to Denver in 2026
Long Distance · 2026-01-19 · 8 min read
Chicago to Denver runs 1,000 miles and costs $3,000–$8,500 in 2026. Here's how to price your move, when to book, and what to watch out for.
Chicago to Denver is a clean 1,000-mile shot west on I-80 then I-76. The route is well-served by national carriers and most jobs deliver in 3–6 days. Here's what you should pay in 2026.
2026 Cost Ranges
- Studio: $2,400 – $3,900
- 1-bedroom: $3,000 – $5,400
- 2-bedroom: $4,400 – $7,600
- 3-bedroom+: $6,400 – $10,800
What Affects Price on This Route
Chicago origin: Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square 3-flats almost always involve walk-up fees ($75–$200/flight after the 2nd). Permit parking on residential streets often requires a city moving permit ($25 from Chicago DOF — but movers handle this).
Denver destination: Most Denver neighborhoods (Capitol Hill, RiNo, LoHi, Wash Park) have easy truck access. Mountain destinations (Boulder, Evergreen, Estes Park) add a regional surcharge.
Altitude planning: Denver sits at 5,280 ft. Movers know this — your team will move slower the first day. Doesn't change the price but expect a longer unload.
Best Time to Move
October–April is cheapest. Avoid moving in the first or last week of any month (highest demand). Mid-week saves another 5–10%.
Watch Out For
Brokers posing as carriers — Chicago→Denver is heavy broker territory. Always confirm the actual carrier's USDOT and that they own the truck doing the haul. Binding quotes on scanned inventory eliminate the "we re-measured and it's more" scam.
Get bids on your Chicago→Denver move. See also movers in Chicago and movers in Denver.