($1,045) Cost to Move From Charleston, SC to Chicago, IL

1. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
4. Cougar Moving: 4.12 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Chicago

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Chicago, you can expect to spend between $1,045 and $4,402. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,190 to $5,214 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Chicago typically runs between $3,807 and $7,518.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Chicago

When moving from Charleston to Chicago, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $801 and $1,832. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,382 to $2,849. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,878 up to $3,733. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Chicago

Renting a moving truck in Charleston is usually your cheapest option to get to Chicago. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $581 and $1,087. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $634 and $1,306. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $787 and $1,686.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Chicago than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 47% lower in Chicago than in Charleston.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 15% higher in Chicago compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Chicago, where the cost of living for a single person is 31% less than in Charleston.
• If your journey leads to Chicago, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 17% more than it is in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Chicago is 125% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 14% higher in Chicago than in Charleston. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 29% lower in Illinois compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Chicago’s population is about 1728% greater than Charleston.
• Chicago’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
• Chicago is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Chicago’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 35.19 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Chicago is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 33.87 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
• Air quality in Chicago is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Illinois doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Chicago smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Lake View
• Lincoln Park
• The Loop
• Near North Side
• West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

• Beverly
• Edison Park
• Lincoln Park
• North Center
• West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

After getting comfortable in your new Illinois home, it’s time to see what Chicago is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Chicago offers cultural landmarks like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago History Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Chicago Bears (NFL)Chicago Cubs (MLB)Chicago White Sox (MLB)Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)Chicago Bulls (NBA)Chicago Fire (MLS)Chicago Sky (WNBA) game.