Moving Comparison

City Movers vs United Van Lines

By Daniel Harper, Senior Editor, Moving Costs · Reviewed by Melissa Grant, Pricing & Estimates Reviewer · Last updated May 2026

At-a-glance

On our weighted score, City Movers takes the edge (4.3/5). That said, City Movers is the better pick for chicago metro local moves, while United Van Lines wins for long-distance moves with full packing. Always get binding estimates from both before booking.

Compare written estimates from both

Get matched with FMCSA-licensed movers — typically 3–4 quotes within one business day.

Get free quotes

Side-by-side

Category	City Movers	United Van Lines
USDOT	Verify on FMCSA	077949
MC #	Verify on FMCSA	67234
BBB rating	A+	A+
Founded	2004	1928
Headquarters	Chicago, IL	Fenton, MO
Coverage	Regional	All 50 states
Services	Local, Long-distance, Packing, Storage	Long-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate
2BR estimate	$600–$2,500	$3,100–$7,400
Customer rating	4.3 / 5	4.3 / 5

City Movers

Chicago local mover with strong building-COI experience in Loop and Lake Shore Drive high-rises. Hourly pricing is competitive against franchise operators.

USDOT

Verify on FMCSA

BBB

A+

Pros

Best for chicago metro local moves.
Regional coverage; founded 2004.
BBB rating: A+.

Watch out

Limited interstate availability.

Read full City Movers review →

United Van Lines

United is the largest brand under UniGroup and publishes the well-known annual National Movers Study. Claims handling and tracking tools rank above the industry median based on FMCSA data.

USDOT

077949

BBB

A+

Pros

Best for long-distance moves with full packing.
All 50 states coverage; founded 1928.
BBB rating: A+.

Watch out

Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.

Read full United Van Lines review →

City Movers

Best for

Chicago metro local moves

Not ideal for

Limited interstate availability.

United Van Lines

Best for

Long-distance moves with full packing

Not ideal for

Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.

Compare City Movers and United Van Lines — and a few alternatives

We match you with FMCSA-licensed movers serving your route. No obligation; written estimates only.

Step 1 of 3 · Locations~60 seconds left

Where are you moving?

Get matched with up to 4 licensed movers in 60 seconds.

I am moving fromZIP or City

I am moving toZIP or City

Free · No obligation · Licensed FMCSA-verified movers

Frequently asked questions

Is City Movers or United Van Lines better in 2026?

On weighted score, City Movers edges ahead, but the right pick depends on your specific move. City Movers is best for chicago metro local moves; United Van Lines is best for long-distance moves with full packing. Get binding-not-to-exceed estimates from both before deciding.

How do City Movers and United Van Lines compare on price?

For a typical 2-bedroom interstate move, City Movers estimates land around $600–$2,500 and United Van Lines estimates land around $3,100–$7,400. Actual quotes depend on weight, distance, service level, date, and availability.

Are City Movers and United Van Lines both FMCSA-licensed?

Yes. City Movers operates under USDOT Verify on FMCSA and United Van Lines operates under USDOT 077949. Always verify the specific entity quoting your move on FMCSA SAFER before signing an estimate.

Does City Movers or United Van Lines have a better BBB rating?

City Movers carries a A+ BBB profile and United Van Lines carries a A+. Local agent or franchise ratings can differ from the parent profile, so check the agent that will actually handle your move.

What estimate type should I ask for?

For interstate moves, ask for a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate after an in-home or video survey. Sight-unseen non-binding interstate quotes are not reliable and tend to grow on delivery day.

Ready to compare licensed movers?

Get free, no-obligation written estimates from FMCSA-licensed movers serving your route.