Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Sterling Heights, Michigan to Chicago, Illinois

Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 408 miles from Michigan to Illinois ranges from $587 to $804 and takes one–four days depending on factors like the transport type and season. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in gas, food, lodging, and wear-and-tear on your vehicle, making driving better for short trips and shipping often better for long, busy, or difficult trips. The decision balances cost, time, and convenience, as shipping saves you time and adds miles/wear, while driving costs less upfront but adds stress and expenses.

The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is usually open transport, where it's hauled on a multi-car trailer, and by choosing terminal-to-terminal service (dropping off/picking up at transport hubs) over door-to-door, along with booking in advance and being flexible with dates. For maximum savings, you can also consider driving it yourself if feasible, or hiring someone to drive it for you, though these have trade-offs.